Sunday's vote ended in a rejection of the peace accord between the government of Colombia and the Marxist FARC rebels.
A total of 50.2 percent of the ballots opposed the peace deals while 49.8 percent were in favor of it. It was an extremely narrow differential with less than 60,000 out of a total of 13 million.
This outcome of the verdict has jeopardized a deal that was envisioned to put an end to a bloody domestic conflict that has lasted for 52 years. The vote against the pact will also prevent FARC fighters from re-integrating with society and form a political party.
"I will not give up," said Colombian president, Juan Manuel Santos in during a press conference after watching the results come in, "I will continue seeking peace until the last day of my presidency."
The peace agreement was the product of four years of vehement conciliation and negotiations between the administration of President Juan Manuel Santos and the FARC. Both sides have continually expressed that the type of agreement made was the most optimum deal that they can come to terms with and any renegotiation would be impossible.
However, the bilateral ceasefire that was put in place since August would continue according to president Santos.
FARC leader, Rodrigo Londono stated that the rebel group would maintain their aspirations of achieving peace despite the rejection of the accord.
"The Farc reiterates its disposition to use only words as a weapon to build toward the future," said Londono, also known as Timochenko by his comrades.
"To the Colombian people who dream of peace, count on us, peace will triumph."
One such reason as to why the deal did not fall in favor with more of the voters is the fact that it would have allowed rebel leaders to evade imprisonment as long as they confess to their crimes, something that most of public finds hard to tolerate.
