Lima Mayoral Race Mired in Controversy

With Peruvian municipal and regional elections are just around the corner, the nation’s second most important elected position, the mayor of Lima, is at stake. According to LatinNews, there are a multitude of choices for voters, as the race involves 20 candidates. Currently, the front-runners are Ricardo Belmont, Renzo Reggiardo, and Daniel Urresti. As the voting day, October 7, rapidly approaches, major controversies and concerns are having important effects on this upcoming election.

Daniel Urresti, a former Minister of the Interior with a military background, has attracted the most controversy. Urresti has been on trial for three years for the murder of journalist Hugo Bustios in 1988 but was cleared of all charges on October 4, according to the Guardian. Urresti was also accused of raping and intimidating a female witness to the crime, but has denied these allegations, according to La República.

Urresti is running on a platform of increased national security and has expressed interest in enhanced surveillance, according to El Comercio. Many of his supporters are attracted to Urresti because of his experience as a military officer and his support of the police. According to the New York Times, a supporter named Bruno Chapiana said in reference to Urresti, “We want someone who has personality and has the courage to fight delinquents.”

Although candidate Ricardo Belmont is not considered as controversial as Urresti, his rhetoric has put fear into the hearts of many residing in Peru.

In the past few years, Venezuelans fleeing an economic crisis have sought refuge in Peru. The Human Rights Watch estimates that 395,000 Venezuelans now live in Peru, and that an additional 126,000 Venezuelans are seeking asylum there.

Towards the end of August 2018, Belmont stated “[Venezuelans are] going to take jobs from us poor Peruvians,” according to Reuters. Referring to Venezuelan immigrants as a threat to Peru’s success has caused many in this community to fear what foreign policy changes he may advocate for if elected.

Former congressmen Renzo Reggiardo has also made the news, and has publicly denounced opponent Daniel Urresti. According to a poll published by La República in  September, Reggiardo was polling in the lead with 17 percent. Reggiardo has called for the exclusion of Urresti in the election because of the allegations against him. In reference to the National Electoral Council’s judgment on Urresti’s situation, Reggiardo stated that he “did not trust the impartiality of the electoral body” and that Urresti’s candidacy was “a mockery for Lima,” according to Peru.21. Reggiardo and Belmont have refused to participate in a debate hosted by the National Electoral Council.