People across Peru voted on Sunday in a major election to choose a new president and members of Congress. However, with more than 30 candidates in the race, no one is expected to win enough votes in the first round.
Because of this, a second-round vote is likely to take place on June 7.
Around 27 million voters were eligible to participate. Polling stations opened early in the morning, but in some areas of the capital Lima, delays caused frustration. Some voters said they waited hours without being able to cast their ballots.
Many people also said it was difficult to decide who to vote for because there were so many candidates with different political views.
Political Instability Drives Voter Frustration
Peru has faced years of political instability. Since 2018, the country has had multiple presidents due to impeachments, scandals, and weak governments. This has reduced public trust in political leaders.
Analysts say many voters are unhappy with Congress and blame it for ongoing political chaos.
Key Candidates in the Race
Several well-known figures are competing:
- Keiko Fujimori, a conservative candidate, is running for president again. She has reached the final round in past elections and is known for her strong stance on law and order.
- Carlos Alvarez, a popular comedian, is gaining support as an outsider candidate focused on fighting crime.
- Ricardo Belmont has recently gained momentum and is seen as another strong contender.
- Rafael Lopez Aliaga is a right-wing candidate promoting conservative policies.
No candidate is expected to reach the required 50% vote needed to win outright.
Main Issues: Crime and Economy
Rising crime has become the most important issue in this election. Many candidates are promising tougher security measures, including a larger role for the military in maintaining order.
Economic concerns and political uncertainty are also major topics among voters.
Global Attention on Peru
The election is being closely watched internationally. Peru is a major producer of copper, and global powers are interested in its future direction.
The country has strong economic ties with China, while the United States is also trying to strengthen its influence.
What Happens Next
If no candidate wins a majority, the top two candidates will face each other in a runoff election in June. The next president will likely face challenges working with a divided Congress and managing ongoing political tensions.
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