Two right-wing politicians lead in Peru's presidential race, but most are undecided, poll says

• Summary

• Only late president’s daughter and former mayor poll above 10%

• Nearly two-fifths of Peru’s electoral undecided or won’t vote

• Hopefuls include a popular comedian, a wealthy businessman, and a retired general

• Many Peruvian presidents removed ​before term ends, some jailed

LIMA, March 9 (Reuters) - Two right-wing candidates - the daughter ‌of a former jailed president and the former mayor of Lima - are out in front of other contenders for Peru’s April 12 presidential election, according to the latest poll, though many voters are either undecided or do not plan ​on voting.

Keiko Fujimori and Rafael Lopez Aliaga are the only candidates out of a record ​roster of 36 presidential hopefuls polling in the double digits. Fujimori polled at ⁠10.7% versus her rival’s 10%, according to a Datum Internacional poll released Sunday night on ​local TV, though roughly two-fifths of those polled either declined to choose a candidate or do not ​plan on voting in the first place.

The Reuters Iran Briefing newsletter keeps you informed with the latest developments and analysis of the Iran war. Sign up here.

The scant support for the leaders suggests that a June 7 runoff is likely, which would be typical for the Andean nation, as no candidate has won in the first round since ​the end of the last century.

The job of Peru’s head of state has become a revolving ​door, with eight presidents since 2018. Four former leaders are currently behind bars. Its unpopular right-wing-controlled Congress removed its ‌latest ⁠president last month after he held secret meetings with a Chinese businessman.

Over 38% of voters polled between February 27 and March 4 were undecided or had decided not to vote, Datum found. Many of those who do vote will not decide until a week before the election, CEO Urpi Torrado ​said.

Fujimori, daughter of late ​former president Alberto Fujimori, ⁠who was imprisoned for 16 years for crimes against humanity - including the use of death squads during his decade-long tenure - is on her fourth run ​for the presidency.

She has been trading places in polling with Lopez Aliaga, ​an ultra-conservative ⁠former mayor who has embraced his nickname “Porky” for his resemblance to a U.S. cartoon pig, as part of his campaign. A fortnight ago, another Datum poll showed Lopez Aliaga in the lead with 13.4% and ⁠Fujimori at ​9.7%.

Other candidates polling around 5% include leftist Alfonso Lopez-Chau, ​a former central bank director; millionaire businessman Cesar Acuna; Carlos Alvarez, a popular comedian and impersonator of former presidents; and retired ​general and former intelligence chief Wolfgang Grozo.

Reporting by Marco Aquino; Writing by Sarah Morland; Editing by David Gaffen

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

• Suggested Topics:
• Americas

Share

• X

• Facebook

• Linkedin

• Email

• Link

Purchase Licensing Rights