PERU: Peru campaigns end, polls show nationalist leads.

Record ID: 346974

  • Title: PERU: Peru campaigns end, polls show nationalist leads.
  • Date: 7th April 2006
  • Summary: (BN03)LIMA, PERU (APRIL 6, 2006) (REUTERS) CROWD HOLDING BALLOONS AT RALLY FOR CANDIDATE LOURDES FLORES WIDE OF CROWD AT RALLY CANDIDATE LOURDES FLORES AND NATIONAL UNITY PARTY LEADERS WAVING FROM STAGE CROWD AT RALLY CANDIDATE LOURDES FLORES WALKING ON STAGE AND WAVING TO CROWD PEOPLE AT RALLY (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) LOURDES FLORES, PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, SAYING: "We're h
  • Embargoed: 22nd April 2006 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Peru
  • Country: Peru
  • Topics: Domestic Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA3UGBR5GGE1CP5AB7SLKT6JEVP
  • Story Text: Peru's presidential candidates made their last appeals to voters as campaigning closed on Thursday (April 6) and pollsters said nationalist Ollanta Humala remained in first place but with too little support to avoid a runoff.
    In Arequipa, in southern Peru where the retired army commander's support is strongest, the central Plaza de Armas was so crowded with thousands of Humala supporters that many hung in trees and from lampposts.
    In an emotional hourlong speech, Humala addressed critics who say his nationalism is dangerous and divisive.
    Humala, who has campaigned to restrict private investment in Peru, said his "nationalism" was a desire to build hospitals and support education, and a society that valued security and dignity.
    "The Peruvian people are immune to that fear of change," he said. "The Peruvian people want change. We don't want more poverty, more social injustice, more unemployment, more abandonment, more corruption. Tonight, the Peruvian people should confirm (their desire for) change, a new society, that is nationalism."
    The crowd called repeatedly for a big Humala victory on Sunday, removing the need for a runoff.
    "The first round, the first round!" the crowd chanted and cheered, many dressed in red T-shirts reading: "For love of Peru," similar to those in which Humala campaigns.
    Right-of-center Lourdes Flores, the business favorite whom polls put in second place, and center-left former President Alan Garcia, in third place, both closed their campaigns in the capital, Lima.
    Peruvian law mandates that Thursday must be the last day of campaigning before the election.
    Flores, seeking to be the first woman to become Peruvian president, said it was time for a female leader, and told the crowd she was the candidate who could unify Peru. "Peru is waiting for a change. I represent authority and determination, order and an honest government. That's my promise," she said.
    At his rally, Garcia called for the state to play a greater role in helping poor Peruvians and creating jobs.
    Pollsters said on Thursday that Humala still led the field of some 20 candidates, but lacked the 50 percent support he would need on Sunday to avoid a second round next month.
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