peru2001B

The breakdown of Fugimori?s regime has created a large political opening that many politicians believe can be capitalize by ?El Cholo?. Former Congresswomen Lourdes Flores Nano is perceive as the only legitimate opposition candidate to Toledo even though she trails in recent polls by more than 10% points. Adding a new variable to the equation, former president Alan Garcia decided to join the contest recently. However, he is consider an insignificant factor due to his long absence from Peruvian politics (exile during Fugimori?s government) and the legacy of economic crisis left by his previous administration. Many people believe that the election will be decided on a second round between Toledo and Flores Nano. And, why not? This is the most foreseeable situation, right? Toledo is the charismatic leader that was capable to stand against Fugimori?s electoral machine and Flores Nano is an undisputed honest politician that in her days fought bravely in congress against Fugimori. And after having the opportunity to personally meet Flores Nano, her charisma, leadership and honesty gives her a real chance to upset heavily favored Alejandro Toledo.

But again, if there is one thing to learn from Peruvian electoral processes is that nothing is certain!!!!

Early exit polls from Sunday?s election show that Alan Garcia obtained second place, sending the commission to a runoff. Unofficial numbers show that Toledo obtained 40.1% of the vote while Alan Garcia and Lourdes Nano received 24.3% and 22.8% respectively. If these numbers hold, Alejandro Toledo will face Alan Garcia in the second round of elections, in which earlier polls by local newspapers supposing the situation have shown Toledo will come out victorious.

But again, if there is one thing to learn from Peruvian electoral processes is that nothing is certain!!!!

For Peruvian electoral coverage please visit:

http://elecciones.rcp.net.pe/
http://www.ndi.org
http://www.elcomercioperu.com.pe/