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Keiko Fujimori, current leader of the Fujimorist party. Luka GONZALES / AFP

Peruvians are called to the polls this Sunday January 26 to elect a new Congress, after its dissolution on September 30 last. One week before the election, the fujimorist party Fuerza Popular is in second place in terms of voting intentions, thanks in particular to the support of the most disadvantaged sections of the Peruvian population.

From our correspondent in Lima , Wyloën Munhoz-Boillot

These extraordinary legislative elections were called by President Martin Vizcarra, after the dissolution of Congress three months ago. One of the challenges of this election concerns the Fujimorists. Long regarded as the main political force in Peru, the movement of ex-president Alberto Fujimori (1990-2000) has been weakened in recent months by corruption scandals. Nevertheless, the fujimorist party Fuerza Popular remains in second position of the intentions to vote.

Photos and handshakes

Carlos Mesia met his campaign team at a market in San Juan de Lurigancho, one of the poorest districts of the Peruvian capital. In the middle of the aisles, the fujimorist candidate photos and handshakes with the locals. In exchanges, a name comes up regularly, that of ex-president Alberto Fujimori.

“ Fujimori has done a lot for our neighborhood. We owe him everything: water, electricity, even telephone lines and roads… everything! Whereas before, we had nothing, ”explains a trader.

Like him, 55% of the voters in this district voted for the fujimorist candidate during the last presidential election in 2016.

For Carlos Mesia, the reason is simple: “ We are always welcomed here, because people remember what President Alberto Fujimori did. He is the only president in history who has looked after the poor. And today, the less privileged see his inheritance in his daughter Keiko ”.

Voting intentions despite the scandals

Keiko Fujimori , the current leader of the Fujimorist party, is on trial for corruption and could return to pre-trial detention this week. Judicial setbacks that led to several defections within the party, but not enough to change the minds of some voters.

“ I always voted for the Fujimorists. People say bad things, but Keiko did what was right. Some say it stole, but they all steal , ”said the voter.

If the Fujimorists can count on the popular vote for the legislative elections this Sunday, it is however unlikely that they will again obtain the majority, as was the case in the previous Congress.