The election victory Sunday by a strong anti-drug candidate in Colombia's presidential balloting was a clear victory for the people who refused to cave into heavy intimidation and threats of violence from the country's drug barons. Some 45 percent of the electorate ventured to the polls to hand Cesar Gaviria a smashing victory.
Gaviria's victory was the peoples' way of repeating, "Just Say No to Drugs!"And, in many ways, Gaviria's win signaled a victory for the United States as well.
While Gaviria's election was a key victory in the on-going battle, officials readily concede that the drug war is far from over. The newly elected president recognizes the challenge ahead for his country and the need for continued international support if his hard-line stand against the drug barons is to succeed.
An economist by training, Gaviria knows the financial strain his country will experience as the drug wars continue. Colombia has pumped more than $1 billion into the effort thus far, a move which has put serious strains on the fragile Colombian economy. Gaviria recognizes that these strains could topple government efforts to eliminate drug trafficking if alternate economic strategies are not forthcoming to offset the money drain.
To his credit, Gaviria has not called for massive economic subsidies for Colombia. Instead, he is asking other countries, especially the United States, to show support by lifting trade barriers that inhibit international marketing of legitimate Colombian goods, a move that would provide on-going strength for Columbia's economy and allow it to remain an independent, self-supporting force in the world.
Gaviria also recognizes that there will be a need for continued military assistance, but he also believes other countries can help with programs intended to reduce drug consumption, thereby lowering the demand for the illegal substances, and by taking strong steps to curb money laundering and the sale of weapons to the drug cartels.
Gaviria's willingness to stand strong in the face of the drug financed terrorism that killed three other presidential candidates should not go unrewarded. His vow to continue extradition of drug traffickers to the United States for prosecution is also deserving of added international support.