Peru's presidential election highlights decade of political instability

Peru is set to hold its presidential election this Sunday, with a record 35 candidates vying for the presidency. Ricardo Belmont, at 80, closed his campaign in Lima's San Martin Square, urging supporters to reject corruption: "We are no longer a nation. We are just surrogates for these corrupt parties." The election follows a tumultuous decade in which nine presidents have held office, with only one completing a full term. Nearly all have faced criminal investigations related to corruption.

Political scientist Fernando Tuesta noted that voter frustration and apathy are prevalent, stating, "We have voters who are frustrated. We have voters who are tired. We have voters who are apathetic." This dissatisfaction has contributed to the crowded field of candidates, many of whom are unknown to the electorate. Polls indicate that a significant portion of voters remain undecided, with frontrunners like Keiko Fujimori and Belmont competing closely for the top spots.

The political landscape has shifted power dynamics in Peru, with Congress gaining influence over the presidency. Paulo Vilca from the Institute of Peruvian Studies explained that the executive branch has become secondary, as Congress can remove presidents for "moral incapacity." The upcoming election will also see the introduction of a Senate, which may further complicate governance and deepen political crises. Vilca predicts a potential conflict between the new Senate and the existing Congress, leading to a three-way struggle for power.

What to watch: The outcome of the presidential election and its implications for the newly reintroduced Senate.