Peru presidential candidates seek ways to avoid crowds

Three weeks before presidential elections in Peru, the favorite five of 18 candidates have increased their presence in the streets, trying to close the tiny margins of preference shown in polls.

The Presidential election on April 18 seeks to replace interim President Francisco Sagasti, who took office after his predecessor, Martin Vizcarra, was impeached while being investigated for corruption.

Massive gatherings are banned in Peru due to the State of Emergency in place to avoid the spread of COVID-19, forcing candidates to look for ways around the restrictions.

Most have reached their supporters by greeting them from passing trucks, while others have preferred direct contact with small communities or neighborhoods.

Among the favorites, candidate Yohny Lescano from the Popular Action Party is in the first place, visibly above the other four who share a second tight place.

Keiko Fujimori, leader of the Popular Force party and daughter of former leader Alberto Fujimori is also among the favorite contenders.

Fujimori is under investigation and accused of allegedly laundering money from the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht. A prosecutor has requested a sentence of 30 years in prison against her and dissolving the Popular Force party.

This is the third time she runs for president after unsuccessfully doing so in 2011 and 2016.

Other favorites are George Forsyth from Popular Victory party, Rafael López Aliaga of the Popular Renovation party and Verónika Mendoza for the Together for Peru Party.