Peru Congress Rejects Early Election Despite Continuing Protests

 

BBC: Peru Congress rejects early election despite protests 

Congress in Peru has again voted against bringing general elections forward to December 2023. 

Early elections are one of the key demands of protesters who have been staging almost daily demonstrations for the past seven weeks since the then-President, Pedro Castillo, was ousted. 

The proposal for early elections is backed by his successor, Dina Boluarte, but Congress is deeply divided. 

Monday's vote was the third attempt to move the elections to this year. 

Peru was plunged into crisis on 7 December when Pedro Castillo tried to dissolve Congress in order to stave off an impeachment vote against him. 

Congress ignored his attempt to dissolve the legislature and proceeded with his impeachment. 

Mr Castillo was arrested and is in prison facing charges of rebellion and conspiracy.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Peru's Congress fails to agree on holding early elections -- Reuters  

Update #2: Peru’s legislature shoots down proposal to fast-track elections -- Al Jazeera  

WNU Editor: It looks like Peru is going be facing continuing protests for the rest of 2023.

Peru's Congress Rejects President Boluarte’s Request For Early Elections

 

Al Jazeera: Peru Congress rejects president’s early elections request  

Peru has been embroiled in a political crisis with near-daily protests since December 7. 

Peru’s Congress has rejected a request by embattled President Dina Boluarte to bring forward elections to December 2023, as protests that have killed dozens rage on against her leadership. 

Lawmakers agreed last month to bring forward elections from 2026 to April 2024. But in a plenary session held during Saturday’s early hours, Congress rejected the proposal, with 45 votes in favour, 65 against and two abstentions.

Left-wing parties demanded that the advancement of elections be accompanied by a constitutional convention – something protesters have repeatedly called for. 

“With this vote, the constitutional reform proposal for the advancement of elections is rejected,” Congress President Jose Williams said, after more than seven hours of debate.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Peru: Congress rejects bill to bring general elections forward to 2023 (Andina)  

Update #2: Peru's parliament opposes postponement of presidential elections (News.am)  

WNU Editor: Here is an easy prediciton. The protests are going to continue.

Peru Police Clash With Protesters In Lima

 

CNN: Peru’s president calls for dialogue after more than 30 injured in nationwide protests 

Peru’s President Dina Boluarte has called for dialogue after clashes between protesters and police during nationwide demonstrations left one person dead and 30 injured. 

“Once again, I call for dialogue, I call on those political leaders to calm down. Have a more honest and objective look at the country; let’s talk,” Boluarte said at a press conference on Thursday evening. 

Her comments came after clashes on the streets of the capital Lima, where thousands of protesters from across the country faced a massive show of force by local police.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: A historic building in the center of Lima was burned down .... Historical building burns as protestors clash with police in Lima (UPI). 

More News On The Unrest In Peru 

Peru police use tear gas to block protesters from marching -- AP  

‘We feel betrayed’: Peruvians on anti-government protests -- The Guardian  

Clashes between protesters and police turn deadly in Peru -- USA Today  

Peru protesters march in capital Lima demanding for president to leave office -- SKY News  

Tear gas fired at Peru protesters as thousands try to ‘take Lima’ -- Al Jazeera

Peru Braces For More Anti-Government Protests

 

CNN: Peru braces for protests as thousands of police officers prepare to guard capital 

Almost 12,000 police officers are preparing to guard the Peruvian capital Lima as the country braces for massive protests on Thursday. 

A heavy police and military presence could be observed in the heart of city early Thursday, with key locations such as the parliament, the prosecutor’s office and the army headquarters receiving extra protection. 

Peru is seeing some of its worst violence in decades, which erupted last month following the ousting of former President Pedro Castillo, as protesters who oppose the current government call for political change.

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Even with a state of emergency, these protests show no signs of ending anytime soon. 

 Peru Braces For More Anti-Government Protests 

Peru’s Andes ‘descended’ on capital to demand leader resign -- AP

Peru: growing outrage over protest deaths as president urged to resign -- The Guardian  

Peru protests: More deaths reported as demonstrators descend on Lima -- BBC 

After weeks of violent protests, what is happening in Peru? -- Al Jazeera

Peru Braces For New Protests

 

France 24: Peru braces for new rallies as anti-government protesters gather in Lima 

Lima was braced for new rallies against Peruvian President Dina Boluarte this week as thousands of demonstrators mobilized Monday towards the capital following weeks of deadly unrest. 

Protesters from all over the country have been heading to Lima since the weekend in a bid to maintain pressure on authorities, even as a state of emergency was declared to try to maintain order. 

At least 42 people have died in five weeks of clashes between protesters and security forces, according to Peru's human rights ombudsman. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: These protests are happening under a state of emergency .... Peru extends state of emergency amid deadly protests (CNN), and they show no signs of ending .... Peru’s violent unrest shows no signs of stopping (VOX). 

Peru Braces For New Protests  

Protesters from across Peru converge on Lima -- DW  

Peru peasants march to Lima, vowing to give lives for change -- France 24  

Peru protests highlight rural-urban divides – and a desire to belong -- CSM

Peru Extends State Of Emergency For thirty Days As Deadly Protests Continue

 

Washington Post: Peru extends state of emergency as deadly protests roil the country 

Peru’s government extended a state of emergency in the country’s capital and three other regions Sunday as President Dina Boluarte refused calls to resign amid anti-government protests that have killed at least 47 people, about one-third of whom have died in the last week. 

The 30-day order, which follows a now-expired nationwide state of emergency, suspends several constitutional rights, including freedom of transit, freedom of assembly and the right to privacy in the home. 

The mandate also gives special authority to Peru’s national police and armed forces to seek to restore peace.

In addition to the capital of Lima, the state of emergency applies to the Cusco, Puno and Callao regions, as well as several provinces. Puno, where protesters have stormed an airport and torched a Congress member’s home, is subject to a nighttime curfew. 

Read more ....  

Update #1: Peru extends state of emergency amid deadly political protests, while Canada updates travel warning (CBC)  

Update #2: Peru: State of emergency declared in Lima, other regions (DW)  

WNU editor: The protests continue .... Peru protesters converge on capital Lima in defiance of state of emergency (France 24), and the President is unrepentant .... Peru president will not resign, apologises for protest death toll (Al Jazeera).

Political Crisis Deepens In Peru

 

Washington Post: Protesters in Peru refuse to back down as political crisis deepens 

LIMA, Peru — The political crisis roiling Peru deepened Saturday, as President Dina Boluarte’s new government edged toward collapse and protesters across the country refused to back down despite the military enforcing a state of emergency. 

A total of 20 demonstrators are reported to have been killed in clashes with security forces, including eight allegedly shot Thursday by soldiers using live ammunition in the southern mountain region of Ayacucho. 

Protesters have stormed several regional airports, looted businesses and blocked roads, primarily in the impoverished mountain regions of the Andean nation. 

Last year, those areas voted heavily for Pedro Castillo, a rural schoolteacher and former wildcat-strike leader, who was impeached as president last week after he attempted to dissolve Congress and restructure the judiciary.  

Read more .... 

More News On Peru's Political Crisis  

As public anger mounts, Peru’s lawmakers reject reform needed to hold early elections -- CNN 

Peru’s president urges Congress to bring forward general elections amid protests -- The Guardian/Reuters  

Peru's president renews call for early elections amid pressure -- Axios  

Peruvian President Boluarte refuses to step down amid ongoing protests -- France 24 

Peru protests: President Dina Boluarte refuses to resign amid political crisis -- BBC  

Peru’s accidental president fails to quell violent protests -- AP 

Deadly protests continue to rock Peru as former president ordered to remain in custody -- Euronews/AP  

Peru ministers resign after deadly protests as pressure on government rises -- The Guardian/Reuters 

Timeline: Peru’s political crisis since removal of Pedro Castillo -- Al Jazeera

Peru’s Ex-President Castillo To Be Jailed For 18 Months. Protesters Declare ‘Insurgency’

 

Al Jazeera: Peru court extends ex-President Castillo’s jail time by 18 months 

Pedro Castillo’s arrest on charges of ‘rebellion’ and ‘conspiracy’ has fuelled a political crisis. 

Peru’s Supreme Court has granted a request to extend former President Pedro Castillo’s imprisonment for 18 months, as the authorities make their case against him on accusations of “rebellion” and “conspiracy”. 

The decision on Thursday is expected to further inflame political turmoil and protests that have roiled the South American nation since Castillo’s impeachment and detention last week. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: There is nothing much that this bloc can do right now .... Latin American leftist bloc closes ranks behind deposed Peruvian president (Reuters). 

Peru’s Ex-President Castillo To Be Jailed For 18 Months  

Peruvian judge orders 18-month detention for ousted president -- AP  

Peru's ousted ex-president Castillo to remain in prison for 18 months -- France 24  

Peru’s ex-president Castillo to be jailed for 18 months as protesters declare ‘insurgency’ -- CNN  

Castillo jail term extended as Peru protest death toll hits 15 -- Reuters 

Peru judge orders ex-President Castillo to remain in detention for 18 months -- Axios  

Timeline: Peru’s political crisis since removal of Pedro Castillo -- Al Jazeera

Peru Declares Nationwide State Of Emergency For 30 Days

 

France 24: Peru declares state of emergency amid ongoing protests 

Peru's government declared a nationwide state of emergency on Wednesday for 30 days as angry protests rocked different parts of the country after leftist former President Pedro Castillo was removed by the conservative-dominated Congress last week. 

The emergency declaration, announced by the defence minister, will allow soldiers to assist police in maintaining public security. 

Earlier on Wednesday, a judge in Peru postponed by 24 hours a hearing to decide whether Castillo will be released from detention on charges of rebellion and conspiracy. 

Castillo's arrest last week after he tried to dissolve parliament and rule by decree has sparked days of nationwide protests in which seven people have been killed. 

Read more .... 

Peru Declares Nationwide State Of Emergency For 30 Days 

Peru’s new government declares police state amid protests -- AP  

Peru declares nationwide state of emergency as crisis deepens -- Al Jazeera  

Peru declares 30-day state of emergency amid protests at president’s arrest -- The Guardian  

Peru declares nationwide state of emergency amid protests -- DW  

Peru’s new government declares police state amid protests -- The Hill  

Peru political crisis: Why is Peru under a state of emergency? -- BBC

Deadly Protests In Peru Follow Ouster Of President Pedro Castillo. Early Elections Have Been Proposed

 

Reuters: Peru President Boluarte pledges early elections after protests turn deadly 

 LIMA (Reuters) -Peru's new President Dina Boluarte said early on Monday she would submit a bill to Congress to bring general elections forward two years to April 2024, amid protests in the Andean nation following the ouster of former leader Pedro Castillo. 

Boluarte was sworn in last week after Castillo was sacked by Congress and arrested for trying to dissolve the legislature and prevent an impeachment vote against him in a day of political drama that roiled the world's No. 2 copper producing nation. 

 "I have decided to present a bill to reach an agreement with Congress to bring forward the general elections to April 2024," Boluarte, 60, said in a speech to the nation. "The homeland is experiencing difficult times."  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: I do not think early elections are going to resolve the crisis. Peru is a deeply divided country. 

Early Elections Proposed In Peru  

Peru president proposes moving up elections amid protests -- AP  

Peru's new leader proposes early election amid protests -- BBC  

Peru's President Calls for Early Elections as Chaos Spreads -- Bloomberg 

Peru: Protests against new president turn deadly -- DW 

Peru's New President Calls for Early Elections -- VOA  

Peru's new president proposes early elections amid deadly protests -- Axios

Peru ex-President Castillo Detained. New President Vows To Finish Term

 

CNN: Peru’s new president rules out elections, as predecessor Castillo remains detained 

Peru’s new President Dina Boluarte ruled out early elections on Thursday, her first day in office following the dramatic ousting and arrest of her predecessor Pedro Castillo. 

Boluarte became Peru’s first female President on Wednesday after lawmakers defied Castillo, who in a fight for his political survival had attempted to dissolve Congress earlier that day and call for early elections ahead of a third impeachment vote against him. 

Peruvian lawmakers described the move as a coup, and a majority of the 130-person Congress voted to impeach Castillo on Wednesday. The former president was later arrested for the alleged crime of rebellion, according to the country’s Attorney General.  

Read more .... 

 Peru ex-President Castillo Detained. New President Vows To Finish Term  

Ousted Peru president appears in court to face rebellion charge -- AP  

Peru ex-President Castillo detained as ‘rebellion’ probe proceeds -- Al Jazeera  

Peru's Castillo faces criminal charges as new president Boluarte takes helm -- Reuters 

Peru's ousted President Pedro Castillo seeks exile in Mexico -- France 24  

Peru's impeached former president asks Mexico for asylum -- Axios  

New Peru president vows to finish term, others want election -- The Hill  

U.S. says welcomes appointment of Boluarte as Peru's President -- Reuters 

Peru president’s power grab recalls country’s dark past -- AP  

Dina Boluarte: Peru's first female president -- BBC  

Who is Dina Boluarte, Peru’s first female president? -- CNN

Peru's President Is impeached After Moving To Dissolve Congress Who Wanted To Impeach Him

 

CNN: Peru’s President impeached and arrested after he attempts to dissolve Congress  

Peru’s President Pedro Castillo has been detained by police in capital city Lima, a source with knowledge of the case told CNNE, after lawmakers voted to oust Castillo in a tumultuous day for the South American nation. 

Vice President Dina Boluarte is expected to be sworn in as the new President of Peru, but would need to gain cross party support to be able to govern. 

A majority of 101 members in Peru’s 130-person congress voted to impeach the embattled Castillo on Wednesday afternoon, following an attempt earlier in the day by Castillo to dissolve the body and install an emergency government.  

Read more ....  

WNU editor: President Castillo lost control when many members of his own cabinet resigned in protest over his attempt to dissolve Congress and install an emergency government with him in control. It looks like he has been detained by the police .... Pedro Castillo: Peru leader seen with police after impeachment (BBC). It is expected that the Vice-President Dina Boluarte will be sworn in as the new President of Peru.

Peru's President Is impeached After Moving To Dissolve Congress Who Wanted To Impeach Him  

Peru president dissolves congress, which then ousts him -- AP  

Peru's parliament ousts President Castillo despite his attempt to dissolve legislature -- France 24  

Pedro Castillo: Peru Congress impeaches president amid battle for control -- BBC  

Peru’s president reportedly detained and accused of sedition -- The Guardian  

Peru's President Accused of Coup After Move to Dissolve Congress -- Bloomberg 

Peru: President Castillo ousted after 'coup' attempt -- DW  

Peru's Congress votes to impeach President Pedro Castillo despite threat to dissolve legislature -- ABC News Australia

Peru’s President Imposes Curfew On Capital As Violent Inflation Protests Spread

 

VOA: Peru’s President Imposes Curfew on Capital After Violent Protests Over Inflation 

President Pedro Castillo of Peru has imposed a curfew in the capital, Lima, to quell the growing wave of violent protests over soaring fuel prices. 

President Castillo announced the curfew in a nationally televised speech Monday just before midnight local time, saying it would take effect beginning at 2 a.m. and would last until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday. 

The curfew was announced just hours after officials in Lima ordered schools to shut down for a second consecutive day due to mass protests by transport workers.  

Read more .... 

 Peru’s President Imposes Curfew On Capital As Violent Inflation Protests Spread  

Peru imposes curfew to quell protests over rising prices -- AP  

Peru Imposes Curfew in Lima as Violent Inflation Protests Spread -- Bloomberg  

Soldiers police Lima curfew after fuel price protests -- AFP  

Peru: Curfew imposed in Lima amid violent protests -- DW  

Peru fuel protests: President Castillo imposes curfew in Lima -- Al Jazeera  

Soldiers police Lima curfew after fuel price protests -- RFI  

Fuel protests prompt Lima curfew as Ukraine crisis touches South America -- The Guardian

Peru's New President Appoints A Marxist As His Prime Minister

 

The Guardian: Peru: new president appoints Marxist as prime minister 

Appointment of Guido Bellido ends hopes of a moderate government and is likely to spook jittery investors 

A day after being sworn in as Peru’s president, Pedro Castillo has appointed a far-left lawmaker and member of his Marxist party, Guido Bellido, as prime minister, ending expectations of a moderate government. 

Beginning nearly three hours late, Castillo swore in an incomplete cabinet on Thursday night that included several figures from the far left and only two women. He did not appoint a finance minister, and Pedro Francke, the favourite for the post, was seen leaving the venue minutes before the ceremony began.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Here is an easy prediction. This new government is not going to be a moderate one. 

More News On Peru's New President Appointing A Marxist As His Prime Minister  

Peru's new Marxist PM says 'don't worry' as chances of radical policy shift rise -- Reuters  

Peru's Castillo chooses leftist party colleague as PM -- CNA/AFP  

Peru's Castillo names Marxist party member as PM, likely scaring investors -- Reuters  

Peruvian Markets Extend Tumble With No Finance Minister in Sight -- Bloomberg

Peru's New President Has Radical Plans To Change The Country

In his straw hat, Pedro Castillo claims victory in the Peruvian presidential election  

DW: President Pedro Castillo has radical plans for Peru 

Until four years ago, Pedro Castillo was a teacher in a rural school in the Andes. Then he gained national notoriety as the leader of a teachers strike, and now he's president of Peru. 

Only one road leads to Puna. The village in Tacabamba District consists of two dozen houses scattered around a few fields and paths — and a school where Jose Pedro Castillo Terrones taught until 2017. From here it takes a whole day to travel to the regional capital, Cajamarca, about 200 kilometers (120 miles) away. 

Born in Tacabamba in 1969, Castillo served as a young man in the local Rondas Campesinas — patrols organized by farmers during height of the the internal conflict to protect communities from guerrilla attacks in the 1980s and '90s, when the armed forces, as well as the Maoist guerrilla group Shining Path and the Marxist-Leninist Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement, terrorized rural Peru. The state did little to help, and many believe that the government continues to neglect the rural poor.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: It is not going to be easy. Half the country did not vote for him, and Congress is controlled by his opponents.

Castillo Claims Victory In Peru's Presidential Election As Fujimori Cries Fraud

 

France 24: Peru leftist Castillo claims victory in presidential election as Fujimori cries fraud 

Peruvian socialist candidate Pedro Castillo claimed victory in the presidential election on Tuesday after clinging on to a narrow lead as the lengthy vote count ended, although his right-wing rival pledged to fight the result and has yet to concede. 

Castillo ended the count 44,058 votes ahead of Keiko Fujimori, who has made allegations of fraud with little proof and has tried to get some votes annulled. 

The result of the June 6 ballot has not been formally announced by electoral authorities, but Castillo hailed the win on Twitter. 

"A new time has begun," Castillo wrote, alongside a picture of himself with arms raised, the word 'President' in large font and his campaign slogan: "No more poor in a rich country."  

Read more ...  

WNU Editor: Castillo's margin of victory was only by 44,000 votes. Over a million of votes were annulled. 

More News On Peru's Presidential Election  

Peru: Leftist Castillo wins popular vote in presidential race -- BBC  

Peru leftist Castillo claims election win as Fujimori fights result -- Reuters  

Leftist Castillo wins popular vote in Peru, as supporters of unyielding rival Fujimori declare themselves presidents-elect -- RT 

Peru election: socialist Pedro Castillo claims victory ahead of official result -- The Guardian/Reuters 

Peru Faces Political Turmoil After Divisive Presidential Vote Is Disputed -- WSJ  

Peru elections: Leftist Castillo claims election victory despite right-wing pushback -- DW  

Peru: Pedro Castillo claims victory, his opponent fights results -- Al Jazeera

Peru Still Waiting For Presidential Election Results. Socialist Candidate Leads With 50.14 % Of The Vote

Supporters of presidential candidate Pedro Castillo gather in front of the National Jury of Elections building in Lima, Peru on June 9, 2021. Gian MASKO AFP  

France 24: A divided Peru waits for election results as vote count nears completion 

Peruvians were still waiting on Monday for their next president to be confirmed, more than a week after a polarising run-off vote, with socialist Pedro Castillo clinging to a narrow lead that would tilt the country firmly to the left. 

The election count, which has increased by less than 0.02% since Saturday and stands at 99.953% tallied, showed the former teacher with 50.14% of the vote, fewer than 50,000 votes ahead of right-wing rival Keiko Fujimori.  

Read more ....  

Update: UN rights chief urges ‘calm’ as Peru still waits for vote results (Al Jazeera)  

WNU Editor: I would not be stashing my cash. I would be converting it into foreign currencies and precious metals, and then stashing it .... Stashing cash, Peru's urban elite panics as a socialist looks set to clinch presidency (Reuters).

Presidential Victory In Sight For Peruvian Socialist Pedro Castillo

 

Reuters: Victory in Sight for Peru´s Castillo With 70,000 Vote Margin as Fraud Claims Muddy Water 

LIMA (Reuters) - Peruvian socialist Pedro Castillo maintained a slim lead over rival Keiko Fujimori on Thursday morning with 99.998% of the votes counted and as electoral authorities met to scrutinise contested votes. 

Castillo, an elementary school teacher and political novice who won widespread grassroots backing for pledges to rewrite the constitution of the world's No. 2 copper producer and redistribute wealth, had 50.2% of the vote, maintaining a 0.4 percentage point lead over right-wing Keiko Fujimori, or 71,441 votes. 

Some 300,000 contested votes are being scrutinized by an electoral jury, a process that will take several days to complete and could delay the announcement of who will be the next president to take over from interim leader Francisco Sagasti at the end of July. However analysts said any outstanding votes were now unlikely to tip the balance.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Peru Leftist Signals Victory With Almost All Votes Counted (Bloomberg) 

Update #2: Fujimori seeks ballots annulled as leftist Castillo leads in Peru's presidential vote (France 24)  

WNU Editor: It looks like this 71,000 vote lead is going to hold. 

Wow! 

Peru is on the verge of electing someone who has vowed to transform the entire country. From my experience when a country is this deeply divided, transforming it will produce a massive backlash from those who did not vote for the winning party. It looks like this is where Peru is now heading.

Peru Presidential Election -- News Updates June 8, 2021

 

BBC: Peru election: Fujimori cries foul as she falls behind in count 

The right-wing candidate in Peru's presidential election, Keiko Fujimori, alleges there have been "signs of fraud" in Sunday's run-off election. 

"There is a clear intention to boycott the popular will," she said without offering detailed evidence. 

She made the allegation after her left-wing rival, Pedro Castillo, pulled past her in the vote count. 

With 96.8% of the votes counted, Mr Castillo has a razor-thin lead of 0.5 percentage points.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: With 96.8% of the votes counted, Mr Castillo has a razor-thin lead of 0.5 percentage points. If current trends continue, it looks like Pedro Castillo will be elected with a margin of one percent. 

Peru Presidential Election -- News Updates June 8, 2021  

Peru’s Castillo builds election lead but Fujimori says won’t concede yet -- Reuters 

Fujimori alleges fraud in Peru's election as rival holds razor-thin lead -- France 24  

Peru’s presidential runoff election too close to call -- AP  

Peru elections: Fujimori’s fraud claims criticised as rival’s narrow lead widens -- The Guardian  

Analysis: Peru markets and miners fear Castillo, see silver lining in split vote -- Analysis

Peru Presidential Election Too Close To Call

 

CNN: Peru presidential election too close to call, but Keiko Fujimori leads in preliminary tally 

Bogota, Colombia (CNN)The first official results from Peru's presidential elections gave a small lead to right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori, but the election was too close to call as of early Monday. 

Peruvian electoral authority ONPE said so far it had counted 42% of the vote. Of those, Fujimori was the preferred candidate for 52.9% of voters, while left-wing candidate Pedro Castillo was the preferred option for 47.1%. Turnout was 77%. 

"These results are the first official data from the polling stations that sit closest to the counting centers, that means urban votes. 

An important share of votes from rural areas and abroad is still waiting to be counted," said Pedro Corvetto, head of ONPE. Corvetto urged fellow Peruvians to wait for official results to come in from the provinces.

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Pedro Castillo's base of support is from the rural regions of Peru. Those votes (from what I am reading) are going to take some time before they are counted. Bottom line. Even with 42% of the vote counted, Keiko Fujimori's 6% lead could evaporate very quickly.  

Update: As expected. With 91% of the vote counted, the vote total is now Fujimori with around 50.2% and Castillo on 49.8% .... Peru Election on Knife Edge as Castillo Narrows Fujimori's Lead (Reuters). My one contact in Peru is predicting a win for Pedro Castillo by 1% to 2%. 

More News On Peru's Presidential Election  

Peru's Fujimori takes early lead in tight presidential runoff -- France 24  

Daughter of imprisoned ex-president leads Peru's election -- L.A. Times  

Peru's Castillo says there is 'hope' as razor-thin margin keeps country on edge -- Reuters 

The Daughter Of A Jailed Ex-President Could Become Peru's Next Leader -- NPR/AP