Peru to hold presidential election amidst ongoing political instability

Peru to Hold Presidential Election Amidst High Turnover Rate

Lima, Peru - A presidential election is set to take place this Sunday, with 35 candidates vying for the top spot. Ricardo Belmont, an 80-year-old conservative candidate, has closed his campaign, calling for a break from corruption that has plagued the country over the past decade.

Belmont’s message resonates with many voters who have grown accustomed to a high turnover rate of presidents in recent years. Since 2011, nine presidents have served, with only one completing a full term. Many have been imprisoned or involved in criminal investigations related to corruption.

Experts warn that this year’s election cycle is marked by unprecedented volatility and voter apathy. Fernando Tuesta, a political scientist at Peru’s Pontifical Catholic University, notes that many voters are sceptical about the electoral process, approaching it without enthusiasm.

The crowded field of candidates has led to a record number of presidential hopefuls, with two expected to advance to a run-off election in June. Keiko Fujimori, a 50-year-old right-wing candidate, has been consistently at the top in recent weeks, but the race for second place remains uncertain.

Tuesta attributes the wide field of candidates to the unpredictability of Peru’s current politics. Many candidates are angling to be this year’s dark horse, hoping to catapult into the run-off. The breadth of the field is likely to contribute to voter confusion, with six separate nights of televised debates and a single large ballot for election day.

Voting is mandatory in Peru, but pollsters expect a high number of blank ballots. With one-tenth of Peruvian voters still undecided about whom to vote for, even days ahead of the election, analysts question how much staying power an eventual winner will have after the race reaches its end.

Source: Al Jazeera