Description: Peru’s consequential general election has been mired by controversies and technical difficulties as voters have criticized the government of election fraud and manipulating the results. More than thirty presidential candidates and various political parties are vying for control in the crime – laden country that has seen eight presidents in the last 8 years due to scandals or corruption charges. Keiko Fujimori and Rafael Lopez Aliaga are tied as the most supported candidates for president and would most likely face off in a run – off election on 07 Jun. Peru has exchanged two presidents within the past 6 months after the ouster of Dina Boluarte, who was replaced by Jose Jerri. Jerri was then ousted by protesters who accused him of collusion with organized crime and the interim government ended up being led by Jose Maria Balcazar. The country is the world’s third largest copper manufacturer and has a vast mining industry controlled by China. Recent US initiatives through diplomatic channels have included the approved delivery of F – 16 fighter jets and other forms of security cooperation. China is more entrenched with infrastructure and mining investments having inaugurated the essential Chancay mega port in Lima, controlled by Cosco Shipping.
Impact: Peru’s political and economic crises are the direct result of the country’s elevated levels of corruption, collusion between organized crime groups and politicians and the direct geopolitical rivalry between China and the US in the country. The overturn of presidents and distrust in the Congress and Senate of the country makes whoever inherits the presidential office viable for domestic civil pressure. Issues with organized crime groups involved in extortion, racketeering and white-collar crime, further complicate legislative, political, and economic reforms in a country with complex political loyalty to the US and extensive Chinese economic presence. China’s interference in Peru is more aimed towards economic infiltration and creating codependence while the US focuses towards security and diplomatic cooperation. The outcome of the election, which would most likely end up in a run – off, would determine the general situation in the country divided by domestic issues and foreign interference.