Leading candidates vote in Peru elections

At the worst moment in the COVID-19 pandemic, Peruvians voted Sunday for a new president in the most fragmented elections in their recent history and without any favorites.

Among the 18 contenders, no one accumulates more than 50% of intended votes, a figure necessary to win in the first round.

Two candidates are therefore expected to head to a second vote on the 6th June to replace interim President Francisco Sagasti.

All seats in Peru's congress, too, are being contested.

Some residents had to wait for hours to cast their ballots and at least one president in charge of a voting center said he didn't have proper assistance to open the voting to people.

The election comes amid a surge in COVID-19 cases and meager progress in their vaccination programs.

Lockdowns have returned, threatening further damage to the nations' already battered economies.