Peru Holds Presidential Election With 35 Candidates Amid Political Chaos
Key Takeaways
- A record 35 candidates are running for Peru's presidency.
- The election occurs amid a decade of political chaos.
- Keiko Fujimori is among frontrunners with potential runoff.
Record 35 Candidates
Peru held a presidential election with a record 35 candidates.
The crowded field reflected deep voter frustration after eight presidents in ten years.
Keiko Fujimori led the polls with around 10-15% support but faced widespread resistance.
A Reuters survey found 54% of Peruvians said they wouldn't vote for her under any circumstances.
The Guardian called it one of the most unpredictable elections on record.
Voting is mandatory in Peru, but turnout has been declining.
Fujimori's Fourth Bid
Keiko Fujimori sought the presidency for a fourth time.
She has been walking a tightrope between cloaking herself in her father's legacy and distancing from his abuses.
She consistently polls around 10%.
Her Popular Force party won a majority of seats in congress in 2016.
Her campaign emphasized restoring order and economic revival.
Right-Wing Surge and Opposition
The election featured a right-wing surge with Fujimori leading a pack.
The three right-wing frontrunners agreed on applying the death penalty and withdrawing from the Pact of San Jose.
López Aliaga has run a hard-right campaign littered with disinformation and threats.
Left-leaning candidates struggled with approval ratings around 5%.
40% of respondents said they had not decided whom to vote for.
Political Instability and Crime
Four former presidents are in jail, most linked to bribery cases involving Odebrecht.
The country is gripped by an extortion epidemic with a record homicide rate.
Food insecurity doubled from 25% before the pandemic to 51% now.
The election took place amid ongoing protests and demands for change.
Diaspora Voting
Peruvians living abroad participated in the election.
“- Peruvians in Utah will be able to vote in Peru's presidential elections on Sunday in Salt Lake City”
Utah hosted a polling place for approximately 6,333 registered voters.
Latin American diaspora voting has become increasingly common.
Peru has 17 consular offices in the United States and more than 100 worldwide.
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