The larger effort to build peace after more than 50 years of conflict in Colombia is at a crossroads. The question of when and how Colombia and Colombians will be able to realize the peace dividend remains unanswered. Whether or not the deal will foster an enduring peace depends strongly on people’s perceptions of and experience with this peace process.
This report summarizes findings from a pilot study that examines support for individual provisions of the agreement and attitudes towards their implementation among a representative sample of respondents in the municipalities of Tumaco and Mesetas (located at the Departments of Nariño and Meta, respectively). Throughout, our survey highlights how important it is that people experience the tangible benefits of peace. Only then will the peace process receive the popular support it needs to be sustainable. We find that while respondents report high levels of support for many of the key pillars of the peace accord, the majority remain deeply concerned about the pace and progress of the implementation of these key components. This is an important signal that all actors – local, national, and international partners – must take to heart.
