I followed Peru's presidential election closely, as I visited the country in the midst of a contentious run-off campaign whose outcome had implications for an entire continent. Many are breathing a sigh of relief that the nationalist candidate, Ollanta Humala, lost. Ollanta, in the mold of Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and Evo Morales of Bolivia, promised radical changes to Peru's politics and economy. Ollanta inspired many and scared many more. As the election progressed, Peruvians were put off by Hugo Chavez's ringing endorsement of Ollanta and his continuing war of words with Alan Garcia and the outgoing President, Alejandro Toledo. Much of the presidential campaign has focused on Peru's resentment of foreign powers holding sway over the nation's policies and natural resources. While the voters were upset at their leaders allowing countries like Chile, Spain, and the United States to exercise dominion over Peru's affairs, they were determined not to allow Venezuela to do the same.
I don't think this was an easy election for the Peruvians. Ollanta came to electoral politics by way of a failed coup, and Alan Garcia sought a return to the Presidential Palace after a disasterous administration from 1985 to 1990, in which inflation soared, the currency devalued, and the country disintegrated into violence. For the voters, the choice was the lesser of two evils. As my host Miguel in Cusco said: "it's like choosing between AIDS and cancer."
But at the end of the day, the voters' concerns may have been even deeper. I was struck by a
campaign banner I saw as our tour bus careened at ungodly speeds through a desert village along the Pan-American Highway: "Alan Garcia: Agua Para Todos!" Water for all! Peru is a country with remarkable potential, and with deep challenges. Good luck, Alan. Good luck, Peru.
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