Audio By VocalizeA woman casts her ballot during the presidential election at a polling station in Lima on April 12, 2026. [AFP]Polls opened in Peru's presidential and legislative elections Sunday, with crime and instability dominating a crowded race to choose the country's ninth leader in a decade. Conservative candidates led pre‑election polls, suggesting Peru may be the latest nation to welcome a tide of right‑wing governments sweeping Latin America. "We will ask for special powers -- powers to modernize police stations, and powers for the armed forces to help us control the prisons," she said. Sociologist David Sulmont said Peru's election shows "a major disconnect" between voters and what politicians are offering.

Source: Standard Digital April 12, 2026 14:18 UTC