Opponent to Fujimori's election calls for voting against him, as stated by Peru's third-ranking contender
Peru is gearing up for a crucial presidential election on June 5, with right-wing populist Keiko Fujimori leading in the polls by 4 to 7 percentage points over center-right economist Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (PPK).
Keiko Fujimori, the daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, who is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence for human rights abuses during his tenure, has sought to distance herself from her father's authoritarian image. However, Veronika Mendoza, a third-place candidate in the presidential election, has warned that a vote for Keiko Fujimori could lead Peru back to the dark days of Alberto Fujimori's rule.
In a video message, Mendoza insisted that a Fujimori presidency would bring more of the same, and urged her supporters to vote against Keiko Fujimori in the runoff. The message added, "To block 'Fujimorism,' the only option is to vote PPK."
Mendoza also emphasised that the "dream of a more just country" is threatened by the potential return of Fujimorism. She claimed that a Fujimori presidency would mean more of the same corruption, human rights abuses, and economic inequality.
Alberto Fujimori, known for presiding over strong economic growth during his decade in office (1990-2000), was a polarising figure in Peruvian politics. His tenure was marred by allegations of human rights abuses, including the forced disappearance of civilians and the use of death squads.
Peru is one of Latin America's best-performing economies, and the election of Pedro Pablo Kuczynski in 2016 had been hailed as a step towards greater political stability and economic growth. However, his presidency has been marred by corruption scandals, and his popularity has waned.
Keiko Fujimori, if elected, would be Peru's first woman president. She has promised to tackle corruption, improve the economy, and strengthen Peru's security forces. However, her opponents argue that she lacks the political experience and independence to govern effectively.
The election for the presidency of Peru is set to take place on June 5. The predecessor of Pedro Pablo Kuczynski was Ollanta Humala, who was the president before him. If Kuczynski had won the election on June 5, he would have replaced Humala. However, Kuczynski was elected in 2016, replacing Humala, who was the president before him. Therefore, Humala is the predecessor of the president whom Kuczynski replaced after winning the election.
In conclusion, the upcoming presidential election in Peru is a crucial moment for the country's future. The choice between Keiko Fujimori and Pedro Pablo Kuczynski will determine whether Peru moves forward towards greater political stability and economic growth, or whether it risks sliding back into the dark days of the past. Veronika Mendoza has urged her supporters to vote against Keiko Fujimori to block the return of Fujimorism and build a more just and equal Peru.
