PERU: Ollanta Humala speaks to his supporters as his campaign closes prior to Sunday's Presidential elections

Record ID: 346923

  • Title: PERU: Ollanta Humala speaks to his supporters as his campaign closes prior to Sunday's Presidential elections
  • Date: 2nd June 2006
  • Summary: (BN02) LIMA, PERU (MAY 31, 2006) (REUTERS) (NIGHT SHOTS) OLLANTE HUMALA ENTERS RALLY SITE WITH HIS WIFE AND VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE OLLANTE HUMALA GREETS SYMPATHIZERS OLLANTE ON STAGE SOUNDBITE (Spanish) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE OLLANTA HUMALA SAYING: "We can win the election, and on July 28, we can enter the Presidential Palace on our own two feet with a clear conscienc
  • Embargoed: 17th June 2006 13:00
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  • Location: Peru
  • Country: Peru
  • Topics: Domestic Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA9TN3AWE7M1PSXTT5LB3DGT5IH
  • Story Text: Populist Peruvian Presidential candidate Ollanta Humala closed his campaign Wednesday (May 31) in Lima rallying his supporters to get out the vote in Sunday's elections.
    During his campaign-closing act in the Peruvian capital, the former military commander expressed confidence in his victory and suggested all other presidential candidates are tainted by monetary contributions which will force them, if elected, to repay many political favors.
    "We can win the election, and on July 28, we can enter the Presidential Palace on our own two feet with a clear conscience that we do not have to repay any favors to anyone."
    Humala, who led a military rebellion against former President Alberto Fujimori in 2000, is a retired army commander who has never held elected office. He finished first among 20 candidates in the first round of presidential voting on April 9 but lacked the majority to win outright.
    Preaching economic revolution and nationalism, Humala, 43, appeals to the half of Peruvians who are poor and say they have not benefited from strong economic growth since 2002.
    As the election loomed closer and candidates made a last ditch effort to capture votes, personal attacks increased and the tone of these attacks became more aggressive. Name-calling became the order of the day between Humala and his rival Alan Garcia.
    "It was just about saying "I hate everybody." That's what the speech by Mr. Humala last night was about. I hate everybody and based upon that hatred I am willing to oppose the development of our country. I call that "senderismo" (alluding to guerrilla movement Sendero Luminoso). It's the stirring up of old, primitive hatred. It's the stirring up of the lowest instincts. Putting down adversaries is something Mr. Humala learned from Chávez," said Garcia.
    Garcia leads Humala by 56 percent to 44 percent for the runoff next Sunday (June 04), according to respected pollster Apoyo, and is seen as a pro-business moderate despite his 1985-1990 government that caused hyperinflation and food shortages.
    Garcia, 57, is a center-left former president whose 1985-1990 rule ended in economic chaos marked by hyperinflation, food shortages and surging violence by Shining Path guerrillas seeking to impose communism in Peru.
    One of Latin America's most flamboyant leaders in the 1980s, the silver-tongued Garcia has recast himself as a business-friendly moderate with a message of fiscal austerity and a desire to atone for the errors of his first term.
    His campaign has been hurt by voter worries that he is too close to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who has voiced strong support for Humala but whose anti-Washington rhetoric alienates many Peruvians.
    Humala's proposals, which have made him a hero for Peru's poor and hate figure for Peru's middle class who call him a "fascist", worry business leaders who say they prefer to ex-President Alan Garcia in the June 4 election.
    Meanwhile President Alejandro Toledo took to the airwaves Tuesday (May 31) to again chide Venezuelan President for interfering in Peruvian affairs and promising Peruvians with a safe and fair election.
    "There is no evidence to suggest that the popular vote will be tainted. Transparency during the election is a responsibility shared by all and our government will guarantee your safety before, during and after you cast your vote."
    A weekend survey by Peru's most respected pollster Apoyo showed former President Alan Garcia beating ex-army commander Ollanta Humala by 55 percent to 45 percent. But a simulation vote by Apoyo, in which voters' preferences were secret, closed the gap to 52 percent versus 48 percent in Garcia's favor
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