Insecurity and instability drive voters in Peru's tight presidential race

Article excerpt

Peru's presidential race has tightened as voters prioritize stability and security after a decade of political chaos. Eight presidents in ten years have left the country struggling with surging crime and persistent inequality, making economic competence and crime-fighting the defining campaign issues. Candidates are competing fiercely to convince voters they can restore order and tackle the gang violence that has destabilized communities. The instability has fractured political coalitions and left many Peruvians skeptical that any leader can deliver meaningful change, even as frustration with the status quo pushes them to the polls.