Peruvians vote for president

Sunday, 09, Apr 2006 10:45

More than half of Peru's 27 million people were expected to vote in national elections today following a closely contested presidential race.

Left-wing nationalist Ollanta Humala, who has pledged to give money to the poor, is pitted against Lourdes Flores, aiming to become the first female president of Peru as well as ex-President Alan Garcia.

Opinion polls have revealed that Humala had a slight lead over the two main contenders although none of the participants are expected to obtain the 50 per cent of votes needed for victory in the first round.

Oscar Lopez, a street vendor in Lima, told the Reuters news agency: "He's exactly what this country needs - a military man with a strong hand to make things right and stand up for the little guy."

However, more affluent members of society are worried about Humala's potentially autocratic style of leadership.

There were another 17 contenders but none of them are expected to have a substantial impact.

The top two finishers will face a run-off vote in late May or June if there is no outright winner.