Peruvian shamans met on San Cristobal's hill in Lima to perform a mystical ceremony. In the ceremony they asked for peace and an end to the coronavirus pandemic by 2022.

Shamans in Peru perform rituals in bid to end pandemic in 2022

The Coronavirus outbreak has made a huge impact on economic, social and political fronts in many Latin American countries. WION brings you a report.

Latin America emerges as one of world's most vaccinated regions

As Santa rode the cherry picker - the fire truck's hydraulic crane with a railed platform to carry people - accompanied by a firefighter, he delivered gift-wrapped presents to children.

Christmas: Santa's sweet gift to COVID infected kids in Peru

A mummy found in Peru is on display at San Marcos University in Lima. It is thought to be between 800 and 1200 years old. Peruvian archaeologists disclosed the finding of human remains in an underground tomb with ceramics and ornaments.

Peru: 1,200 years old Mummy revealed

Archaeologists in Peru have unearthed a well-preserved mummy that could be at least 800 years old. The pre-Incan mummy was discovered at the archaeological complex of Cajamarquilla and is thought to be from the pre-Inca Chaclla culture.

Peruvian Archaeologists discovered a mummy thought to be around 1,200 years old

A 7.5 magnitude earthquake shook the remote Amazon region of northern Peru tremors were also felt in the capital city of Lima, destroying 75 homes but with no deaths reported.

Earthquake of 7.5 magnitude hits northern Peru, 75 homes destroyed, no deaths reported

In a recent discovery, a team of archaeologists unearthed a mummy which is estimated to be at least 800 years old. The discovery was made on Peru's central coast.&nbsp;

"The main characteristic of the mummy is that the whole body was tied up by ropes and with the hands covering the face, which would be part of the local funeral pattern," said Van Dalen Luna, from the State University of San Marcos.

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WATCH: A mummy estimated to be at least 800 years old was found in a tomb in Peru <a href="https://t.co/eUlCqZxfON">https://t.co/eUlCqZxfON</a> <a href="https://t.co/ba7h58jjPH">pic.twitter.com/ba7h58jjPH</a>
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Luna further revealed that the remains are of a person who lived in the high Andean region. "Radiocarbon dating will give a more precise chronology," he said.

Images and videos of the mummy have gone viral on social media.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-andes-archaeologists-unearth-new-secrets-of-ancient-civilisations-in-peru-425999">Also read |&nbsp;In Andes, archaeologists unearth new secrets of ancient civilisations in Peru</a>

It is being said that the remains were of a person from the culture that developed between the coast and mountains of the South American country. It was found inside an underground structure found on the outskirts of the city of Lima. The gender of the mummy has not yet been recognised. However, the tomb also offered things like ceramics, vegetable remains and stone tools.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, archaeologists unearthed 29 human bodies entombed around 1,000 years ago at a site in the Lambayeque region of northwestern Peru. The site is at Huaca Santa Rosa de Pucalá.&nbsp; 
Four skeletons, which are of two children, a teenager and one adult, date back to the Wari civilisation.&nbsp;

Edgar Bracamonte Lévano, excavation's director and research archaeologist, Royal Tombs of Sipán museum, told Live Science through email, “These skeletons represent the region's first known examples of human offerings from the Wari civilisation.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a recent discovery, a team of archaeologists unearthed a mummy which is estimated to be at least 800 years old. The discovery was made on Peru's central coast.

In a recent discovery, a team of archaeologists unearthed a mummy which is estimated to be at least 800 years old. The discovery was made on Peru's central coast. "The main characteristic of the mummy is that the whole body was tied up by ropes and with the hands covering the face, which would be part of the local funeral pattern," said Van Dalen Luna, from the State University of San Marcos. WATCH: A mummy estimated to be at least 800 years old was found in a tomb in Peru https://t.co/eUlCqZxfON pic.twitter.com/ba7h58jjPH — Reuters Asia (@ReutersAsia) November 28, 2021 × Luna further revealed that the remains are of a person who lived in the high Andean region. "Radiocarbon dating will give a more precise chronology," he said. Images and videos of the mummy have gone viral on social media. Also read | In Andes, archaeologists unearth new secrets of ancient civilisations in Peru It is being said that the remains were of a person from the culture that developed between the coast and mountains of the South American country. It was found inside an underground structure found on the outskirts of the city of Lima. The gender of the mummy has not yet been recognised. However, the tomb also offered things like ceramics, vegetable remains and stone tools. Meanwhile, earlier this month, archaeologists unearthed 29 human bodies entombed around 1,000 years ago at a site in the Lambayeque region of northwestern Peru. The site is at Huaca Santa Rosa de Pucalá. Four skeletons, which are of two children, a teenager and one adult, date back to the Wari civilisation. Edgar Bracamonte Lévano, excavation's director and research archaeologist, Royal Tombs of Sipán museum, told Live Science through email, “These skeletons represent the region's first known examples of human offerings from the Wari civilisation.” (With inputs from agencies)

Peru: Archaeologists unearth 800 years old mummy; gender not yet recognised

Archaeologists have hailed a latest discovery in Peru as possibly the most exciting find of the decade. An almost perfectly well preserved mummy estimated to be almost 800 years old has been discovered there. Our next report gets you more details.

800 years old mummy discovered in Peru

Peru recorded a 7.5-magnitude earthquake on Sunday in the Amazonian region.

Reports claimed there were no damage and no tsunami warning was issued. The quake affected the northern and central regions.

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Notable quake, preliminary info: M 7.5 - 42 km NNW of Barranca, Peru <a href="https://t.co/srx9QGJmyB">https://t.co/srx9QGJmyB</a>
— USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) <a href="https://twitter.com/USGS_Quakes/status/1464917248557010946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A 7.5 magnitude earthquake Northern Peru on Sunday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Peru?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Peru</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sismo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sismo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthquake</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/amazonas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#amazonas</a><a href="https://t.co/1epWQDxSxi">https://t.co/1epWQDxSxi</a> <a href="https://t.co/bpNkJFvmUO">pic.twitter.com/bpNkJFvmUO</a>
— ILKHA (@IlkhaAgency) <a href="https://twitter.com/IlkhaAgency/status/1464920827619684357?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Reports claimed the quake was felt as far away as Bogota in Colombia. There were some reports of damage to buildings but no casualties were reported.&nbsp;

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Latest update following M7.5 in Peru: 
Local media in Amazonas report the collapse of the tower of the Jalca Grande temple of colonial origin, located in the district of La Jalca, Amazonas province. They also report that several provinces have no electricity service. 
1/3
— EMSC (@LastQuake) <a href="https://twitter.com/LastQuake/status/1464933203177881606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre quoting local media reported that a tower had collapsed in&nbsp;Jalca temple in the Amazonas province with electricity lines cut in several provinces

Reports said capital Lima was also affected by the quake but there was no report of any damage.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Peru recorded a 7.5-magnitude earthquake on Sunday in the Amazonian region. Reports claimed there were no damage and no tsunami warning was issued. The quake affected the northern and central regions.

Peru recorded a 7.5-magnitude earthquake on Sunday in the Amazonian region. Reports claimed there were no damage and no tsunami warning was issued. The quake affected the northern and central regions. Notable quake, preliminary info: M 7.5 - 42 km NNW of Barranca, Peru https://t.co/srx9QGJmyB — USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) November 28, 2021 × A 7.5 magnitude earthquake Northern Peru on Sunday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. #Peru #sismo #earthquake #amazonashttps://t.co/1epWQDxSxi pic.twitter.com/bpNkJFvmUO — ILKHA (@IlkhaAgency) November 28, 2021 × Reports claimed the quake was felt as far away as Bogota in Colombia. There were some reports of damage to buildings but no casualties were reported. Latest update following M7.5 in Peru: Local media in Amazonas report the collapse of the tower of the Jalca Grande temple of colonial origin, located in the district of La Jalca, Amazonas province. They also report that several provinces have no electricity service. 1/3 — EMSC (@LastQuake) November 28, 2021 × The Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre quoting local media reported that a tower had collapsed in Jalca temple in the Amazonas province with electricity lines cut in several provinces Reports said capital Lima was also affected by the quake but there was no report of any damage. (With inputs from Agencies)

7.5-magnitude earthquake hits Peru; no tsunami warning

Archaeologists discovered ancient human remains buried at Peru´s Chan Chan Archaeological Site. The skeletons belonging to 25 to 30 Chimu people were found is believed to be an ancient mass grave on the Chan Chan Archaeological Zone.

Remains of ancient humans found in Peru's Chan Chan

Peruvian interior minister Luis Barranzuela resigned from his position on Tuesday, following reports that he violated COVID-19 regulations by hosting a Halloween party at his home.

The South American country has been hit hard by the pandemic, with over 200,000 people having died due to coronavirus, making it the country with the world's highest death rate per capita.

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/trumpian-tactics-threaten-to-undo-democracy-in-peru-393769">Trumpian tactics threaten to undo democracy in Peru</a>

Minister Luis Barranzuela who has been in office for just a little more than a month, faced huge criticism, after&nbsp;TV reports claimed that he&nbsp;held a Halloween party at his home in the capital Lima on Sunday, a type of gathering prohibited by a government decree just days before.

In a country of 33 million, the news prompted outrage from all sides of the political spectrum, prompting Barranzuela to claim the gathering was work-related and that he was the victim of "false accusations".

The minister later resigned amid the controversy.

"I have received and accepted the resignation of&nbsp;Interior&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Luis Barranzuela. In the next few hours I will take the oath of office of whoever will succeed him," leftist president Pedro Castillo tweeted.

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Anuncio que he recibido y aceptado la renuncia del ministro del Interior Luis Barranzuela. En las próximas horas tomaré juramento a quien le sucederá en el cargo. Nuestro compromiso continúa siendo el de garantizar la gobernabilidad del país.
— Pedro Castillo Terrones (@PedroCastilloTe) <a href="https://twitter.com/PedroCastilloTe/status/1455739547900334085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Peruvian Congress, controlled by the right-wing opposition, must decide this Thursday whether to support Castillo's government headed by Prime Minister Mirtha Vasquez.

Watch |&nbsp;Peru swears in Pedro Castillo as fifth President

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The local press had reported the government would have likely lost the vote had 58-year-old former policeman Barranzuela had remained in office.

(With inputs from agencies)

Peruvian interior minister Luis Barranzuela resigned from his position on Tuesday, following reports that he violated COVID-19 regulations by hosting a Halloween party at his home.

Peruvian interior minister Luis Barranzuela resigned from his position on Tuesday, following reports that he violated COVID-19 regulations by hosting a Halloween party at his home. The South American country has been hit hard by the pandemic, with over 200,000 people having died due to coronavirus, making it the country with the world's highest death rate per capita. Also read | Trumpian tactics threaten to undo democracy in Peru Minister Luis Barranzuela who has been in office for just a little more than a month, faced huge criticism, after TV reports claimed that he held a Halloween party at his home in the capital Lima on Sunday, a type of gathering prohibited by a government decree just days before. In a country of 33 million, the news prompted outrage from all sides of the political spectrum, prompting Barranzuela to claim the gathering was work-related and that he was the victim of "false accusations". The minister later resigned amid the controversy. "I have received and accepted the resignation of Interior Minister Luis Barranzuela. In the next few hours I will take the oath of office of whoever will succeed him," leftist president Pedro Castillo tweeted. Anuncio que he recibido y aceptado la renuncia del ministro del Interior Luis Barranzuela. En las próximas horas tomaré juramento a quien le sucederá en el cargo. Nuestro compromiso continúa siendo el de garantizar la gobernabilidad del país. — Pedro Castillo Terrones (@PedroCastilloTe) November 3, 2021 × The Peruvian Congress, controlled by the right-wing opposition, must decide this Thursday whether to support Castillo's government headed by Prime Minister Mirtha Vasquez. Watch | Peru swears in Pedro Castillo as fifth President The local press had reported the government would have likely lost the vote had 58-year-old former policeman Barranzuela had remained in office. (With inputs from agencies)

A heavy cost: Peru interior minister resigns after hosting party that breached Covid rules

The COVID-19 pandemic survivors of the worst-hit South African country, Peru are finding comfort in pictures of their lost loved ones as they mourn their dead. WION brings you a report.

Peruvians mourn their COVID dead as only pictures are left

At a site in the Lambayeque region of northwestern Peru, archaeologists have unearthed 29 human bodies entombed around 1,000 years ago. The site is at Huaca Santa Rosa de Pucalá. &nbsp;

Four skeletons, which are of two children, a teenager and one adult, date back to the Wari civilisation. &nbsp;

Edgar Bracamonte Lévano, excavation's director and research archaeologist, Royal Tombs of Sipán museum, told Live Science through email, “These skeletons represent the region's first known examples of human offerings from the Wari civilisation.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/during-halloween-weekend-solar-flare-helps-northern-lights-become-visible-to-us-425602" hreflang="en">During Halloween weekend, solar flare helps northern lights become visible to US</a>

The excavation also unearthed skeletons of eight guinea pigs and several alpacas and llamas, all of which seem to be sacrificed. &nbsp;

Bottles, pots and a knife with a half moon-shaped blade were also found at the site. &nbsp;

The tombs were recognised as Wari by the researchers as they were surrounded by three distinctive, D-shaped enclosures typical of the culture's religious spaces. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/humans-may-get-to-talk-to-whales-courtesy-artificial-intelligence-425846" hreflang="en">Humans may get to talk to whales, courtesy artificial intelligence</a>

The human offerings may have been "part of a possible ritual carried out at the time of starting the construction of these Wari-style religious spaces," Lévano said. &nbsp;

In addition to four human offerings, the archaeological team also found a fifth individual, who had undergone secondary burial. "That is to say, he was buried elsewhere and [then] reburied inside the D-shaped enclosure," Lévano added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

At a site in the Lambayeque region of northwestern Peru, archaeologists have unearthed 29 human bodies entombed around 1,000 years ago. The site is at Huaca Santa Rosa de Pucalá.

At a site in the Lambayeque region of northwestern Peru, archaeologists have unearthed 29 human bodies entombed around 1,000 years ago. The site is at Huaca Santa Rosa de Pucalá. Four skeletons, which are of two children, a teenager and one adult, date back to the Wari civilisation. Edgar Bracamonte Lévano, excavation's director and research archaeologist, Royal Tombs of Sipán museum, told Live Science through email, “These skeletons represent the region's first known examples of human offerings from the Wari civilisation.” Also Read: During Halloween weekend, solar flare helps northern lights become visible to US The excavation also unearthed skeletons of eight guinea pigs and several alpacas and llamas, all of which seem to be sacrificed. Bottles, pots and a knife with a half moon-shaped blade were also found at the site. The tombs were recognised as Wari by the researchers as they were surrounded by three distinctive, D-shaped enclosures typical of the culture's religious spaces. Also Read: Humans may get to talk to whales, courtesy artificial intelligence The human offerings may have been "part of a possible ritual carried out at the time of starting the construction of these Wari-style religious spaces," Lévano said. In addition to four human offerings, the archaeological team also found a fifth individual, who had undergone secondary burial. "That is to say, he was buried elsewhere and [then] reburied inside the D-shaped enclosure," Lévano added. (With inputs from agencies)

In Andes, archaeologists unearth new secrets of ancient civilisations in Peru

After a journey by truck and then being carried in stretchers or on people's backs, a group of 150 vicunas arrived to a repopulating centre in Cusco, Peru.

Peru seeks to repopulate its vicuna population

Archaeologists found four burial sites belonging to an ancient civilization dating from 400 to 200 B.C.E. in Chiclayo, Peru. These tombs are the first sites found in the Lambayeque valley related to the Wari culture.

Burial sites of ancient Peruvian civilization discovered

Peruvian authorities said Wednesday they will not turn over the body of the late guerilla leader Abimael Guzman to his widow until an investigation into his death in prison is concluded.

Guzman, the founder of the brutal Shining Path guerrilla group, which spread terror across Peru in the 1980s and 1990s, died on Saturday in a military prison at age 86.&nbsp;

His also-imprisoned widow, Elena Iparraguirre, the Shining Path's former second-in-command, has requested that Guzman's body be turned over to her for burial.

But officials are concerned that Guzman's gravesite could become a rallying point for his followers, and there is widespread support for Guzman's body to be cremated and the ashes spread in the Pacific Ocean.

Prosecutors said on Twitter that they have "rejected Elena Iparraguirre's request for the body of terrorist Abimael Guzman Reinoso to be handed over to her."

In his decision, prosecutor Vladimir Farfan Kehuarucho was guided by "public order and social interest," according to the prosecutor's office.

Guzman's body will remain in government custody until medical examiners finish their work. It was unclear what would happen after that.

An autopsy showed Guzman died of double pneumonia, an infection that inflames both lungs and has been associated with Covid-19. The body must still undergo more testing.

Guzman was serving a life sentence in the maximum security jail near Lima.

He and Iparraguirre were captured together in September 1992 and married in 2010, even though they were being held in different prisons.

A former philosophy professor, Guzman was the intellectual architect behind the Maoist guerilla group's brutal 20-year attempt to overthrow the Peruvian government from 1980 to 2000. The conflict claimed tens of thousands of lives.

Guzman embraced the brutal methods of Cambodian dictator Pol Pot, such as ordering the massacre of an Andean village in 1984 that left 117 people dead.

Peruvian authorities said Wednesday they will not turn over the body of the late guerilla leader Abimael Guzman to his widow until an investigation into his death in prison is concluded.

Peruvian authorities said Wednesday they will not turn over the body of the late guerilla leader Abimael Guzman to his widow until an investigation into his death in prison is concluded. Guzman, the founder of the brutal Shining Path guerrilla group, which spread terror across Peru in the 1980s and 1990s, died on Saturday in a military prison at age 86. His also-imprisoned widow, Elena Iparraguirre, the Shining Path's former second-in-command, has requested that Guzman's body be turned over to her for burial. But officials are concerned that Guzman's gravesite could become a rallying point for his followers, and there is widespread support for Guzman's body to be cremated and the ashes spread in the Pacific Ocean. Prosecutors said on Twitter that they have "rejected Elena Iparraguirre's request for the body of terrorist Abimael Guzman Reinoso to be handed over to her." In his decision, prosecutor Vladimir Farfan Kehuarucho was guided by "public order and social interest," according to the prosecutor's office. Guzman's body will remain in government custody until medical examiners finish their work. It was unclear what would happen after that. An autopsy showed Guzman died of double pneumonia, an infection that inflames both lungs and has been associated with Covid-19. The body must still undergo more testing. Guzman was serving a life sentence in the maximum security jail near Lima. He and Iparraguirre were captured together in September 1992 and married in 2010, even though they were being held in different prisons. A former philosophy professor, Guzman was the intellectual architect behind the Maoist guerilla group's brutal 20-year attempt to overthrow the Peruvian government from 1980 to 2000. The conflict claimed tens of thousands of lives. Guzman embraced the brutal methods of Cambodian dictator Pol Pot, such as ordering the massacre of an Andean village in 1984 that left 117 people dead.

Peruvian authorities refuse to hand over body of late guerilla leader to wife, for now

It has become difficult for couples to get married in COVID times. But a wedding ceremony in Peru has almost 200 couples who want to tie the knot. All of them got screened before the event as a means of containing COVID spread.

COVID fails to stop couples from getting married in Peru's Lima

Career&nbsp;diplomat&nbsp;Oscar Maurtua was sworn in as&nbsp;Peru's&nbsp;new&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;minister&nbsp;on Friday to replace a leftist professor who resigned just weeks into the job over controversial comments he made before taking the role.

Maurtua already served as&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;minister&nbsp;in the early 2000s under centrist President Alejandro Toledo, and will now serve the far-left administration led by Pedro&nbsp;Castillo, a former elementary school teacher.

His appointment is crucial to&nbsp;Castillo's political future, as his Cabinet will face a confirmation vote from the opposition-led Congress before the end of the month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-look-at-toxic-algae-after-california-family-is-found-dead-on-hiking-trail-407267">Also read |&nbsp;Experts look at toxic algae after California family is found dead on hiking trail</a>

He was sworn in during a ceremony at the government headquarters that was broadcast on state television, without further government comment.

Maurtua replaces Hector Bejar, who resigned under intense pressure because of comments he made before taking the&nbsp;minister&nbsp;job that resurfaced in recent days. He had said last year that the US Central Intelligence Agency was partly responsible for the creation of Maoist rebel group Shining Path.

Maurtua has also served as Peruvian ambassador to several countries, including Canada and Thailand.

Career diplomat Oscar Maurtua was sworn in as Peru's new foreign minister on Friday to replace a leftist professor who resigned just weeks into the job over controversial comments he made before taking the role.

Career diplomat Oscar Maurtua was sworn in as Peru's new foreign minister on Friday to replace a leftist professor who resigned just weeks into the job over controversial comments he made before taking the role. Maurtua already served as foreign minister in the early 2000s under centrist President Alejandro Toledo, and will now serve the far-left administration led by Pedro Castillo, a former elementary school teacher. His appointment is crucial to Castillo's political future, as his Cabinet will face a confirmation vote from the opposition-led Congress before the end of the month. Also read | Experts look at toxic algae after California family is found dead on hiking trail He was sworn in during a ceremony at the government headquarters that was broadcast on state television, without further government comment. Maurtua replaces Hector Bejar, who resigned under intense pressure because of comments he made before taking the minister job that resurfaced in recent days. He had said last year that the US Central Intelligence Agency was partly responsible for the creation of Maoist rebel group Shining Path. Maurtua has also served as Peruvian ambassador to several countries, including Canada and Thailand.

Peru's Castillo picks career diplomat as new foreign minister

Leftist Pedro Castillo was sworn in as Peru's fifth president in three years Wednesday on the 200th anniversary of the country's independence, promising an end to corruption and a new constitution.

The 51-year-old rural schoolteacher, who has vowed to upend a quarter-century of neo-liberal government, enters the job with a lengthy to-do list: tame the coronavirus epidemic, reactivate a flagging economy and end years of political turmoil.

"I swear by the people of Peru for a country without corruption and for a new constitution," he declared before Congress, coming back to a campaign promise to change Peru's free market-friendly founding law.

The existing charter is a relic of ex-president Alberto Fujimori, serving jail time for corruption and crimes against humanity, and father of Castillo's main presidential rival, right-wing populist Keiko Fujimori.

Insisting Peru could not "remain a prisoner" of the 1993 constitution, Castillo said he would send a bill to parliament with a view to organising a referendum on replacing it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peru-wants-a-president-thousands-march-in-lima-as-election-result-drags-396358">Also read |&nbsp;'Peru wants a president': Thousands march in Lima as election result drags</a>

Castillo's Free Peru party does not enjoy a majority in a fragmented congress, holding 37 of the 130 seats.&nbsp;

He was declared the election victor on July 19, more than six weeks after a runoff race against Fujimori, whose allegations of voter fraud then had to be reviewed by an electoral jury.

Wednesday's swearing-in was attended by Spanish King Felipe VI, five Latin American leaders, former Bolivian president Evo Morales and the United States education secretary, among other guests.

Some 10,000 police officers were deployed in the capital Lima, and Castillo voters came out waving banners in a show of support.

'New deal' with investors

"This is the first time this country will be governed by a peasant," Castillo told guests, sporting his trademark, traditional white sombrero and a typical black Andean suit.

He also sought to calm fears among investors, the business community and backers of Fujimori, who had sought to portray him as a communist who would turn Peru into a new Venezuela or North Korea.

"During the election campaign it was said that we are going to expropriate (assets).&nbsp;It is totally false.&nbsp;We want the economy to have order," the new president said, adding, however, that he would be looking for a "new deal with private investors."

Castillo is Peru's first president in decades with no ties to the country's political or economic elite.

He has promised reform to ensure there are "no more poor people in a rich country," but has softened his initial campaign talk of nationalisation.

He is a devout Catholic opposed to gay marriage and abortion.

Peru has been hard-hit by the coronavirus epidemic. With nearly 200,000 deaths among its 32 million population, it has the world's highest reported mortality rate.

An extended pandemic lockdown in 2020 is blamed for the loss of millions of jobs and dumping the country into recession. GDP dropped more than 11 percent.

Castillo has appointed as his chief economic advisor World Bank economist Pedro Francke, who recently told AFP: "We will not expropriate, we will not nationalise, we will not impose generalised price controls, we will not make any exchange control that prevents you from buying and selling dollars or taking dollars out of the country."

&nbsp;President of all Peruvians

It is widely hoped Castillo will bring an end to years of political upheaval in Peru.

A series of corruption scandals saw three different presidents in office in a single week last November.

Seven of the country's last 10 leaders have either been convicted or are under investigation for graft.

Now that she has lost, Fujimori faces a corruption trial for allegedly taking illicit campaign funding for two previous presidential bids.

The election campaign has also been deeply polarizing, with often vehement public support on both sides of the political spectrum for the final two contenders.

"Castillo must rapidly position himself as a president of all Peruvians and not as a president of half of Peruvians," political analyst Jessica Smith told AFP.

On Monday, Castillo received congratulations in a call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who "reinforced our shared commitment to promoting inclusive economic prosperity" and thanked Peru for support "in addressing the Venezuela crisis."

Shortly after Wednesday's inauguration ceremony, Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza arrived in Lima, according to the Andina news agency.

This marked a turning point in bilateral relations, with Peru among dozens of countries -- including the United States -- to have recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate leader over President Nicolas Maduro.

Free Peru is one of few left-wing Peruvian parties to defend Maduro's regime.

Castillo, who has vowed to renounce his presidential salary, said Wednesday he would also not govern from the official presidential residence, Pizarro Palace, in a "break with the colonial symbols," and said he would return to his schoolteacher's job at the end of his five-year term.

Three days of ceremonies will culminate in a military parade in Lima on Friday to mark the swearing in.&nbsp;

Leftist Pedro Castillo was sworn in as Peru's fifth president in three years Wednesday on the 200th anniversary of the country's independence, promising an end to corruption and a new constitution.

Leftist Pedro Castillo was sworn in as Peru's fifth president in three years Wednesday on the 200th anniversary of the country's independence, promising an end to corruption and a new constitution. The 51-year-old rural schoolteacher, who has vowed to upend a quarter-century of neo-liberal government, enters the job with a lengthy to-do list: tame the coronavirus epidemic, reactivate a flagging economy and end years of political turmoil. "I swear by the people of Peru for a country without corruption and for a new constitution," he declared before Congress, coming back to a campaign promise to change Peru's free market-friendly founding law. The existing charter is a relic of ex-president Alberto Fujimori, serving jail time for corruption and crimes against humanity, and father of Castillo's main presidential rival, right-wing populist Keiko Fujimori. Insisting Peru could not "remain a prisoner" of the 1993 constitution, Castillo said he would send a bill to parliament with a view to organising a referendum on replacing it. Also read | 'Peru wants a president': Thousands march in Lima as election result drags Castillo's Free Peru party does not enjoy a majority in a fragmented congress, holding 37 of the 130 seats. He was declared the election victor on July 19, more than six weeks after a runoff race against Fujimori, whose allegations of voter fraud then had to be reviewed by an electoral jury. Wednesday's swearing-in was attended by Spanish King Felipe VI, five Latin American leaders, former Bolivian president Evo Morales and the United States education secretary, among other guests. Some 10,000 police officers were deployed in the capital Lima, and Castillo voters came out waving banners in a show of support. 'New deal' with investors "This is the first time this country will be governed by a peasant," Castillo told guests, sporting his trademark, traditional white sombrero and a typical black Andean suit. He also sought to calm fears among investors, the business community and backers of Fujimori, who had sought to portray him as a communist who would turn Peru into a new Venezuela or North Korea. "During the election campaign it was said that we are going to expropriate (assets). It is totally false. We want the economy to have order," the new president said, adding, however, that he would be looking for a "new deal with private investors." Castillo is Peru's first president in decades with no ties to the country's political or economic elite. He has promised reform to ensure there are "no more poor people in a rich country," but has softened his initial campaign talk of nationalisation. He is a devout Catholic opposed to gay marriage and abortion. Peru has been hard-hit by the coronavirus epidemic. With nearly 200,000 deaths among its 32 million population, it has the world's highest reported mortality rate. An extended pandemic lockdown in 2020 is blamed for the loss of millions of jobs and dumping the country into recession. GDP dropped more than 11 percent. Castillo has appointed as his chief economic advisor World Bank economist Pedro Francke, who recently told AFP: "We will not expropriate, we will not nationalise, we will not impose generalised price controls, we will not make any exchange control that prevents you from buying and selling dollars or taking dollars out of the country." President of all Peruvians It is widely hoped Castillo will bring an end to years of political upheaval in Peru. A series of corruption scandals saw three different presidents in office in a single week last November. Seven of the country's last 10 leaders have either been convicted or are under investigation for graft. Now that she has lost, Fujimori faces a corruption trial for allegedly taking illicit campaign funding for two previous presidential bids. The election campaign has also been deeply polarizing, with often vehement public support on both sides of the political spectrum for the final two contenders. "Castillo must rapidly position himself as a president of all Peruvians and not as a president of half of Peruvians," political analyst Jessica Smith told AFP. On Monday, Castillo received congratulations in a call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who "reinforced our shared commitment to promoting inclusive economic prosperity" and thanked Peru for support "in addressing the Venezuela crisis." Shortly after Wednesday's inauguration ceremony, Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza arrived in Lima, according to the Andina news agency. This marked a turning point in bilateral relations, with Peru among dozens of countries -- including the United States -- to have recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate leader over President Nicolas Maduro. Free Peru is one of few left-wing Peruvian parties to defend Maduro's regime. Castillo, who has vowed to renounce his presidential salary, said Wednesday he would also not govern from the official presidential residence, Pizarro Palace, in a "break with the colonial symbols," and said he would return to his schoolteacher's job at the end of his five-year term. Three days of ceremonies will culminate in a military parade in Lima on Friday to mark the swearing in.

Peru's new president promises constitution change

Leftist Pedro Castillo was sworn in as Peru's fifth president in three years on the 200th anniversary of the country's independence, promising an end to corruption and a new constitution.

Peru swears in Pedro Castillo as fifth President

Peruvian police said on Wednesday they had dismantled an alleged criminal ring that had charged as much $21,000 per bed for seriously ill COVID-19 patients in a state-run hospital, aggravating care in a country hit by one of the world's deadliest outbreaks of the virus.

Authorities arrested nine people in an early morning raid on Wednesday, including the administrators of Lima's Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen public hospital, according to prosecutor Reynaldo Abia.

The scam was uncovered after police received a complaint from the brother of a man suffering from COVID-19 who had been asked for 82,000 soles ($20,783) to obtain an intensive care (ICU) bed and treatment at the hospital, said Abia.

Health Minister Óscar Ugarte told reporters the scam warranted immediate repercussions. "This is totally reprehensible," he said. "We cannot be negotiating with people's lives."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peru-set-to-name-castillo-as-president-as-rival-says-she-will-recognise-result-399132">Also read |&nbsp;Peru set to name Castillo as president as rival says she will recognise result</a>

Corruption scandals around virus care have already rattled the highest levels of power in&nbsp;Peru. Outrage over prior allegations that some top officials had been granted preferential "VIP" vaccinations prompted the country's health and foreign ministers to resign earlier this year.

The hospital involved in the more recent scandal, administered by the EsSalud social security system, provides free care. Patients must endure a long waiting list for the 80 ICU beds the hospital offers.

During the peak of the pandemic, many patients paid large sums of money to private clinics as the public system neared collapse. The number of available ICU beds has since soared to nearly 3,000 nationwide, compared to just hundreds available in March last year, but beds are still in high demand in the Andean nation.

Peru&nbsp;in late May tripled its official death count from the virus and leads the world in deaths per 100,000 inhabitants from the disease.

Peruvian police said on Wednesday they had dismantled an alleged criminal ring that had charged as much $21,000 per bed for seriously ill COVID-19 patients in a state-run hospital, aggravating care in a country hit by one of the world's deadliest outbreaks of the virus.

Peruvian police said on Wednesday they had dismantled an alleged criminal ring that had charged as much $21,000 per bed for seriously ill COVID-19 patients in a state-run hospital, aggravating care in a country hit by one of the world's deadliest outbreaks of the virus. Authorities arrested nine people in an early morning raid on Wednesday, including the administrators of Lima's Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen public hospital, according to prosecutor Reynaldo Abia. The scam was uncovered after police received a complaint from the brother of a man suffering from COVID-19 who had been asked for 82,000 soles ($20,783) to obtain an intensive care (ICU) bed and treatment at the hospital, said Abia. Health Minister Óscar Ugarte told reporters the scam warranted immediate repercussions. "This is totally reprehensible," he said. "We cannot be negotiating with people's lives." Also read | Peru set to name Castillo as president as rival says she will recognise result Corruption scandals around virus care have already rattled the highest levels of power in Peru. Outrage over prior allegations that some top officials had been granted preferential "VIP" vaccinations prompted the country's health and foreign ministers to resign earlier this year. The hospital involved in the more recent scandal, administered by the EsSalud social security system, provides free care. Patients must endure a long waiting list for the 80 ICU beds the hospital offers. During the peak of the pandemic, many patients paid large sums of money to private clinics as the public system neared collapse. The number of available ICU beds has since soared to nearly 3,000 nationwide, compared to just hundreds available in March last year, but beds are still in high demand in the Andean nation. Peru in late May tripled its official death count from the virus and leads the world in deaths per 100,000 inhabitants from the disease.

Peru arrests state hospital workers for charging COVID-19 patients $21,000 per bed

Peruvian right-wing presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori admitted she was headed for defeat on Monday, but pledged to mobilise her supporters and lashed out against socialist rival Pedro Castillo as having won in an 'illegitimate' manner. 
 
Castillo came out of the June 6 run-off vote ahead by a scant 44,000 vote margin. The official result has been delayed by appeals from Fujimori aimed at annulling some ballots over fraud accusations, despite little evidence. 
 
Fujimori said she was bound by law to recognise the official election result, expected to be announced in the days ahead. 
 
"I am going to recognise the results because it is what the law and the constitution that I have sworn to defend, mandates. The truth is going to come out anyway," she told reporters. 
 
Peru's electoral authority said earlier on Monday,&nbsp;it would announce a winner of the election this week after it tossed out the last appeals by Fujimori, a conservative, who is the daughter of jailed former President Alberto Fujimori. 
 
"They have stolen thousands of votes from us," Fujimori said at a news conference. Faced with the "imminent" naming of Castillo as president-elect, Fujimori called on her followers to protest peacefully. 
 
"We have the right to mobilise... but in a peaceful manner and within the framework of the law," she said. 
 
The National Jury of Elections said on Twitter, it had ruled inadmissible the final appeals presented last week by Fujimori. 
 
The Organization of American States, European Union and Britain have all said the election was clean. 
 
Castillo, if confirmed in time, would take office on July 28 for a five-year term as leader of the world's second largest copper-producing nation. 
 
A 51-year-old former school teacher and the son of peasant farmers, Castillo has pledged to redraft the constitution and hike taxes on mining firms, but has in recent weeks softened his rhetoric and hinted at a more moderate, market-friendly approach.

Peruvian right-wing presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori admitted she was headed for defeat on Monday, but pledged to mobilise her supporters and lashed out against socialist rival Pedro Castillo as having won in an 'illegitimate' manner.

Peruvian right-wing presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori admitted she was headed for defeat on Monday, but pledged to mobilise her supporters and lashed out against socialist rival Pedro Castillo as having won in an 'illegitimate' manner. Castillo came out of the June 6 run-off vote ahead by a scant 44,000 vote margin. The official result has been delayed by appeals from Fujimori aimed at annulling some ballots over fraud accusations, despite little evidence. Fujimori said she was bound by law to recognise the official election result, expected to be announced in the days ahead. "I am going to recognise the results because it is what the law and the constitution that I have sworn to defend, mandates. The truth is going to come out anyway," she told reporters. Peru's electoral authority said earlier on Monday, it would announce a winner of the election this week after it tossed out the last appeals by Fujimori, a conservative, who is the daughter of jailed former President Alberto Fujimori. "They have stolen thousands of votes from us," Fujimori said at a news conference. Faced with the "imminent" naming of Castillo as president-elect, Fujimori called on her followers to protest peacefully. "We have the right to mobilise... but in a peaceful manner and within the framework of the law," she said. The National Jury of Elections said on Twitter, it had ruled inadmissible the final appeals presented last week by Fujimori. The Organization of American States, European Union and Britain have all said the election was clean. Castillo, if confirmed in time, would take office on July 28 for a five-year term as leader of the world's second largest copper-producing nation. A 51-year-old former school teacher and the son of peasant farmers, Castillo has pledged to redraft the constitution and hike taxes on mining firms, but has in recent weeks softened his rhetoric and hinted at a more moderate, market-friendly approach.

Peru set to name Castillo as president as rival says she will recognise result

Peru's electoral authority has finally named socialist Pedro Castillo as the country's new President. Castillo has won the election by a margin of nearly 44,000 votes beating his right-wing rival Keiko Fujimori.

Pedro Castillo declared winner of Peru’s Presidential election

Thousands of Peruvians took to the streets on Tuesday to protest uncertainty over the result of the presidential election a month ago, as the confirmation of leftist Pedro Castillo is held up by ballot challenges from his conservative rival. 
 
Supporters of Castillo, carrying colourful Wiphala Andean flags and banners with pictures of the socialist former teacher, marched toward Congress demanding that his narrow lead of some 44,000 votes be upheld. 
 
Across town, supporters of right-wing Keiko Fujimori rallied to back her claims of voter fraud and attempts to annul some ballots, a push her party has stuck with even though election observers say the vote was carried out cleanly. 
 
"Peru wants a president and here we have professor Pedro Castillo elected," said Santos Saavedra, the head of a rural defence group known as the Rondas Campesinas said during a march. "We are going to defend that popular will." 
 
Castillo, 51, the son of peasant farmers, came out ahead in the June 6 run-off vote, rattling Peru's political and business establishment with pledges to shake up the copper-rich Andean country's constitution and hike taxes on mining. 
 
Electoral authorities are scrutinising ballots after challenges by Fujimori, who has claimed fraud with little evidence. They must complete the process before confirming the result, with the new president set to take office on July 28. 
 
"The match is not over and there is still no winner. We are waiting for that result," Fujimori said in another part of Lima, the capital, surrounded by her followers. 
 
Fujimori's push to flip the result has, however, lost some momentum with allies appearing to pull support for the delay. The interim government has rejected her request for an international audit of the vote. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of Peruvians took to the streets on Tuesday to protest uncertainty over the result of the presidential election a month ago, as the confirmation of leftist Pedro Castillo is held up by ballot challenges from his conservative rival.

Thousands of Peruvians took to the streets on Tuesday to protest uncertainty over the result of the presidential election a month ago, as the confirmation of leftist Pedro Castillo is held up by ballot challenges from his conservative rival. Supporters of Castillo, carrying colourful Wiphala Andean flags and banners with pictures of the socialist former teacher, marched toward Congress demanding that his narrow lead of some 44,000 votes be upheld. Across town, supporters of right-wing Keiko Fujimori rallied to back her claims of voter fraud and attempts to annul some ballots, a push her party has stuck with even though election observers say the vote was carried out cleanly. "Peru wants a president and here we have professor Pedro Castillo elected," said Santos Saavedra, the head of a rural defence group known as the Rondas Campesinas said during a march. "We are going to defend that popular will." Castillo, 51, the son of peasant farmers, came out ahead in the June 6 run-off vote, rattling Peru's political and business establishment with pledges to shake up the copper-rich Andean country's constitution and hike taxes on mining. Electoral authorities are scrutinising ballots after challenges by Fujimori, who has claimed fraud with little evidence. They must complete the process before confirming the result, with the new president set to take office on July 28. "The match is not over and there is still no winner. We are waiting for that result," Fujimori said in another part of Lima, the capital, surrounded by her followers. Fujimori's push to flip the result has, however, lost some momentum with allies appearing to pull support for the delay. The interim government has rejected her request for an international audit of the vote. (With inputs from agencies)

'Peru wants a president': Thousands march in Lima as election result drags

Thousands of Peruvians supporting socialist Pedro Castillo and right-wing rival Keiko Fujimori took to the streets on Saturday amid swirling uncertainty over the result of a tight June 6 presidential election that has been held up by legal challenges. 
 
Castillo supporters marched in downtown Lima towards Plaza San Martín, a block from the headquarters of the electoral jury, with giant banners and photos of the socialist candidate, calling for his apparent election win to be confirmed. 
 
A few blocks away, thousands of others supporting Fujimori paraded with Peruvian flags and banners that read 'no to fraud',&nbsp;arriving at the Plaza Bolognesi, where a stage had been set up ahead of the expected arrival of the conservative. 
 
Castillo holds a slender 44,000-vote lead over Fujimori with all ballots counted. But his right-wing rival has sought to disqualify votes, largely in rural areas that backed the leftist, making claims of fraud with little evidence. 
 
Castillo's Free Peru party has denied the allegations of fraud while international election observers have said the vote was carried out cleanly. The US&nbsp;State Department described the process as a 'model of democracy'. 
 
In Fujimori's march were members of various right and center-right parties, as well as retired military personnel, who have backed her fraud claims. Many had banners saying 'no to communism',&nbsp;a criticism they often aim at Castillo. 
 
In the rival camp, many wore the same wide-brimmed hats Castillo has used in the campaign. Some wore outfits from the country's Andean regions and danced, while others carried whips as used by rural 'ronderos', or civil police. 
 
Castillo, a 51-year-old former elementary school teacher and the son of peasant farmers, plans to redraft the country's constitution to give the state a more active role in the economy and take a larger share of profits from mining companies.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of Peruvians supporting socialist Pedro Castillo and right-wing rival Keiko Fujimori took to the streets on Saturday amid swirling uncertainty over the result of a tight June 6 presidential election that has been held up by legal challenges.

Thousands of Peruvians supporting socialist Pedro Castillo and right-wing rival Keiko Fujimori took to the streets on Saturday amid swirling uncertainty over the result of a tight June 6 presidential election that has been held up by legal challenges. Castillo supporters marched in downtown Lima towards Plaza San Martín, a block from the headquarters of the electoral jury, with giant banners and photos of the socialist candidate, calling for his apparent election win to be confirmed. A few blocks away, thousands of others supporting Fujimori paraded with Peruvian flags and banners that read 'no to fraud', arriving at the Plaza Bolognesi, where a stage had been set up ahead of the expected arrival of the conservative. Castillo holds a slender 44,000-vote lead over Fujimori with all ballots counted. But his right-wing rival has sought to disqualify votes, largely in rural areas that backed the leftist, making claims of fraud with little evidence. Castillo's Free Peru party has denied the allegations of fraud while international election observers have said the vote was carried out cleanly. The US State Department described the process as a 'model of democracy'. In Fujimori's march were members of various right and center-right parties, as well as retired military personnel, who have backed her fraud claims. Many had banners saying 'no to communism', a criticism they often aim at Castillo. In the rival camp, many wore the same wide-brimmed hats Castillo has used in the campaign. Some wore outfits from the country's Andean regions and danced, while others carried whips as used by rural 'ronderos', or civil police. Castillo, a 51-year-old former elementary school teacher and the son of peasant farmers, plans to redraft the country's constitution to give the state a more active role in the economy and take a larger share of profits from mining companies. (With inputs from agencies)

Peruvians backing rival leaders take to the streets amid fears over presidential election meddling

“I just want to find 11,780 votes.”

That’s what former President Donald Trump told Georgia’s top elections official long after he had clearly lost re-election. Mr. Trump’s effort to overturn the 2020 U.S. election failed. But his tactics, as Anne Applebaum recently observed in The Atlantic, have inspired anti-democratic politicians around the world. Nowhere is that more clear than in Peru.

On June 6, Peru held its most polarized presidential runoff election in 30 years. The election pitted Keiko Fujimori, a daughter of the former dictator Alberto Fujimori, against Pedro Castillo, a leftist provincial teacher and union leader. Ms. Fujimori, who leads her party, Fuerza Popular (Popular Force), has long been implicated in corrupt and authoritarian practices, and Mr. Castillo’s party, Perú Libre (Free Peru), is openly Marxist. Both candidates have dubious democratic credentials.

Ms. Fujimori framed her campaign as a fight against communism, telling voters that Mr. Castillo would convert Peru into another Venezuela — a strategy that won over many middle-class voters in Lima and other coastal cities. Meanwhile, Mr. Castillo appealed to poor voters in rural areas who felt ignored by the Lima-centered political elite and were deeply dissatisfied with the status quo.

With 100 percent of votes counted, Mr. Castillo won by a razor-thin margin of about 44,000 votes out of nearly 19 million. But Ms. Fujimori has refused to accept defeat, baselessly claiming the election was fraudulent. Peru’s electoral authorities have found no evidence of fraud, and there is no reason to doubt their independence. International observers and election experts have also concluded that the election was clean. Nevertheless, the Fujimori camp has begun what amounts to an electoral coup attempt, pushing Peru’s democracy to the brink of collapse.

Rather than find votes for herself, like Mr. Trump sought to do, Ms. Fujimori is trying to make her opponent’s votes disappear. A team of lawyers sent to hunt for irregularities in Mr. Castillo’s rural strongholds uncovered 802 election records each containing 200 to 300 votes, which they sought to have annulled based on minor technical irregularities. In total, Ms. Fujimori seeks to wipe out more than 200,000 of her rival’s votes in his strongholds based on dubious criteria not applied elsewhere in the country.

The claims are preposterous. If there were systemic fraud, it would have been uncovered on Election Day. It would have required organization and coordination, of which no evidence has been found. Peruvian polling places are patrolled by electoral and law enforcement officials, international observers and, crucially, thousands of citizens and partisan representatives who would have circulated evidence of any fraud on social media.

This hasn’t deterred Ms. Fujimori. Baseless claims of fraud have flooded social media and are ceaselessly repeated on television channels, which are overwhelmingly in her favor. Fujimori supporters are even harassing electoral authorities by organizing demonstrations outside their offices. Many are calling for the entire election to be annulled.

The strategy is clear: Ms. Fujimori has initiated a Trump-like disinformation campaign aimed at delegitimizing the election and creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. In an increasingly polarized climate, these tactics could lead to violence and even military intervention.

Talk of a coup is not mere speculation. Last Thursday, hundreds of retired military officers sent a letter to leaders of Peru’s armed forces declaring without evidence the election fraudulent and demanding that the military not recognize Mr. Castillo as president.

Overturning the election would be a colossal mistake. If the candidate representing long-marginalized voters is illegitimately denied victory, it could set off widespread social protest, creating a governability crisis like those in neighboring Chile and Colombia. Under such circumstances, the only way Ms. Fujimori — or anyone else — could govern would be through repression.

Why is this happening? Ms. Fujimori’s campaign is backed by nearly the entire Lima establishment, including business leaders and major media outlets, as well as much of the middle class. These groups fear that Mr. Castillo will take Peru down a path toward Venezuela. But they also fear Mr. Castillo because he is not one of them. In a country marked by vast social, racial and regional inequality, Mr. Castillo is an outsider whose ascent, for many privileged Peruvians, feels threatening.

Some of the elite’s fears are understandable. During the 1980s, failed statist economic policies and a brutal Maoist insurgency plunged Peru into hyperinflation and terrible violence. Some of Mr. Castillo’s allies are indeed radical leftists, and his original economic program was improvised and outlandish.

But these fears are also exaggerated. Mr. Castillo is hardly a strongman. He lacks experience or a solid party base, and he is nowhere near as popular as Venezuela’s Hugo Chávez, Bolivia’s Evo Morales or other populists-turned-autocrats. His party holds only 37 of 130 seats in the new Congress, a majority of which are filled by right-of-center politicians. Mr. Castillo has few allies in the judiciary or the military, and he is opposed by a powerful business elite and much of the media. In the face of such opposition, a radical strategy would almost certainly fail.

Fear of Mr. Castillo exceeds the bounds of reason. It has transformed legitimate opponents of Mr. Castillo into dangerous opponents of democracy.

It is time to stop the insanity. Rather than sacrifice democracy on the altar of anti-leftism, Peru’s elites should use democratic politics to moderate or block Mr. Castillo’s more extreme proposals. Given Mr. Castillo’s weakness, it should not be difficult.

For his part, Mr. Castillo must recognize that he was elected not because of his radical ideas but despite them. Peruvians considered him the lesser of two evils. To govern, he must build bridges to center-left and even centrist forces. If he does not, his presidency — and Peru’s democracy — will be imperiled.

The Biden administration knows the danger of efforts to overturn a legitimate election result. For this reason, it recently praised the election as a “model for democracy in the region.” The international community should not remain silent in the face of Peru’s slow-moving coup. The world’s beleaguered democracies need our support.

“I just want to find 11,780 votes.” That’s what former President Donald Trump told Georgia’s top elections official long after he had clearly lost re-election. Mr.

“I just want to find 11,780 votes.” That’s what former President Donald Trump told Georgia’s top elections official long after he had clearly lost re-election. Mr. Trump’s effort to overturn the 2020 U.S. election failed. But his tactics, as Anne Applebaum recently observed in The Atlantic, have inspired anti-democratic politicians around the world. Nowhere is that more clear than in Peru. On June 6, Peru held its most polarized presidential runoff election in 30 years. The election pitted Keiko Fujimori, a daughter of the former dictator Alberto Fujimori, against Pedro Castillo, a leftist provincial teacher and union leader. Ms. Fujimori, who leads her party, Fuerza Popular (Popular Force), has long been implicated in corrupt and authoritarian practices, and Mr. Castillo’s party, Perú Libre (Free Peru), is openly Marxist. Both candidates have dubious democratic credentials. Ms. Fujimori framed her campaign as a fight against communism, telling voters that Mr. Castillo would convert Peru into another Venezuela — a strategy that won over many middle-class voters in Lima and other coastal cities. Meanwhile, Mr. Castillo appealed to poor voters in rural areas who felt ignored by the Lima-centered political elite and were deeply dissatisfied with the status quo. With 100 percent of votes counted, Mr. Castillo won by a razor-thin margin of about 44,000 votes out of nearly 19 million. But Ms. Fujimori has refused to accept defeat, baselessly claiming the election was fraudulent. Peru’s electoral authorities have found no evidence of fraud, and there is no reason to doubt their independence. International observers and election experts have also concluded that the election was clean. Nevertheless, the Fujimori camp has begun what amounts to an electoral coup attempt, pushing Peru’s democracy to the brink of collapse. Rather than find votes for herself, like Mr. Trump sought to do, Ms. Fujimori is trying to make her opponent’s votes disappear. A team of lawyers sent to hunt for irregularities in Mr. Castillo’s rural strongholds uncovered 802 election records each containing 200 to 300 votes, which they sought to have annulled based on minor technical irregularities. In total, Ms. Fujimori seeks to wipe out more than 200,000 of her rival’s votes in his strongholds based on dubious criteria not applied elsewhere in the country. The claims are preposterous. If there were systemic fraud, it would have been uncovered on Election Day. It would have required organization and coordination, of which no evidence has been found. Peruvian polling places are patrolled by electoral and law enforcement officials, international observers and, crucially, thousands of citizens and partisan representatives who would have circulated evidence of any fraud on social media. This hasn’t deterred Ms. Fujimori. Baseless claims of fraud have flooded social media and are ceaselessly repeated on television channels, which are overwhelmingly in her favor. Fujimori supporters are even harassing electoral authorities by organizing demonstrations outside their offices. Many are calling for the entire election to be annulled. The strategy is clear: Ms. Fujimori has initiated a Trump-like disinformation campaign aimed at delegitimizing the election and creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. In an increasingly polarized climate, these tactics could lead to violence and even military intervention. Talk of a coup is not mere speculation. Last Thursday, hundreds of retired military officers sent a letter to leaders of Peru’s armed forces declaring without evidence the election fraudulent and demanding that the military not recognize Mr. Castillo as president. Overturning the election would be a colossal mistake. If the candidate representing long-marginalized voters is illegitimately denied victory, it could set off widespread social protest, creating a governability crisis like those in neighboring Chile and Colombia. Under such circumstances, the only way Ms. Fujimori — or anyone else — could govern would be through repression. Why is this happening? Ms. Fujimori’s campaign is backed by nearly the entire Lima establishment, including business leaders and major media outlets, as well as much of the middle class. These groups fear that Mr. Castillo will take Peru down a path toward Venezuela. But they also fear Mr. Castillo because he is not one of them. In a country marked by vast social, racial and regional inequality, Mr. Castillo is an outsider whose ascent, for many privileged Peruvians, feels threatening. Some of the elite’s fears are understandable. During the 1980s, failed statist economic policies and a brutal Maoist insurgency plunged Peru into hyperinflation and terrible violence. Some of Mr. Castillo’s allies are indeed radical leftists, and his original economic program was improvised and outlandish. But these fears are also exaggerated. Mr. Castillo is hardly a strongman. He lacks experience or a solid party base, and he is nowhere near as popular as Venezuela’s Hugo Chávez, Bolivia’s Evo Morales or other populists-turned-autocrats. His party holds only 37 of 130 seats in the new Congress, a majority of which are filled by right-of-center politicians. Mr. Castillo has few allies in the judiciary or the military, and he is opposed by a powerful business elite and much of the media. In the face of such opposition, a radical strategy would almost certainly fail. Fear of Mr. Castillo exceeds the bounds of reason. It has transformed legitimate opponents of Mr. Castillo into dangerous opponents of democracy. It is time to stop the insanity. Rather than sacrifice democracy on the altar of anti-leftism, Peru’s elites should use democratic politics to moderate or block Mr. Castillo’s more extreme proposals. Given Mr. Castillo’s weakness, it should not be difficult. For his part, Mr. Castillo must recognize that he was elected not because of his radical ideas but despite them. Peruvians considered him the lesser of two evils. To govern, he must build bridges to center-left and even centrist forces. If he does not, his presidency — and Peru’s democracy — will be imperiled. The Biden administration knows the danger of efforts to overturn a legitimate election result. For this reason, it recently praised the election as a “model for democracy in the region.” The international community should not remain silent in the face of Peru’s slow-moving coup. The world’s beleaguered democracies need our support.

Trumpian tactics threaten to undo democracy in Peru

The US&nbsp;State Department said on Tuesday that Peru's recent presidential election was 'a model of democracy',&nbsp;despite efforts by conservative candidate Keiko Fujimori to get ballots thrown out while raising accusations of voter fraud. 
 
Peruvians went to the polls on June 6. Electoral authorities are still evaluating challenges to some ballots while preliminary results narrowly favour socialist Pedro Castillo over Fujimori, daughter of jailed ex-President Alberto Fujimori. 
 
"We congratulate the Peruvian authorities for safely administering another round of free, fair, accessible and peaceful elections, even amid the significant challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement released in Washington. 
 
"These recent elections are a model of democracy in the region. We support giving the electoral authorities time to process and publish the results in accordance with Peruvian law.

The US State Department said on Tuesday that Peru's recent presidential election was 'a model of democracy', despite efforts by conservative candidate Keiko Fujimori to get ballots thrown out while raising accusations of voter fraud.

The US State Department said on Tuesday that Peru's recent presidential election was 'a model of democracy', despite efforts by conservative candidate Keiko Fujimori to get ballots thrown out while raising accusations of voter fraud. Peruvians went to the polls on June 6. Electoral authorities are still evaluating challenges to some ballots while preliminary results narrowly favour socialist Pedro Castillo over Fujimori, daughter of jailed ex-President Alberto Fujimori. "We congratulate the Peruvian authorities for safely administering another round of free, fair, accessible and peaceful elections, even amid the significant challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement released in Washington. "These recent elections are a model of democracy in the region. We support giving the electoral authorities time to process and publish the results in accordance with Peruvian law.

US calls Peru election 'fair' despite Fujimori claims of voter fraud

Peru's leftist presidential hopeful Pedro Castillo sought Tuesday to defend his narrow lead in the elections that his rightwing rival Keiko Fujimori is disputing as she fights to avoid an imminent corruption trial.

Castillo, who has rejected calls for the deeply divisive June 6 vote to be annulled, held a rally in Lima Tuesday night where he called on the country's election jury to "once and for all, stop dragging on and keeping the Peruvian people in anxiety, and to respect the popular will of this country."

"Today begins the real battle to end the great inequalities that the country has," the candidate told thousands of supporters from the balcony of his party headquarters.

Earlier, he insisted he was "patiently awaiting a result" even as Fujimori claimed fraud and her backers called for fresh elections.

Also Watch |&nbsp;Socialist Pedro Castillo clings on to tight lead in Peru election as count nears end

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/socialist-pedro-castillo-clings-on-to-tight-lead-in-peru-election-as-count-nears-end-390318/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Peruvians voted last Sunday for their fifth president in three years after a series of crises and corruption scandals saw three&nbsp;different leaders in office in a single week last November.

With 100 percent of ballots now counted, rural school teacher Castillo, 51, was leading by just over 44,000 votes, or 50.12 percent to Fujimori's 49.87 percent, according to the ONPE election body.

But Fujimori has asked&nbsp;Peru's JNE election jury -- which calls the final winner -- to annul tens of thousands of ballots, possibly flipping the balance in her favor.

The JNE's review of the votes she has challenged started last week. All eyes are now on this tribunal.

Observers from the Organization of American States have declared the ballot free and with no "serious irregularities."

On Monday, lawmaker and retired admiral Jorge Montoya, a Fujimori backer, called for "new elections" to be held. With 63 other retired generals and admirals, he questioned the fairness of the vote -- prompting&nbsp;Peru's defense ministry to stress the group "does not represent the Armed Forces."

Fujimori adviser Fernando Rospigliosi told AFP: "I do not know if it is legally possible to annul the elections, but every day there is evidence of manipulation of electoral records and a series of irregularities."

Supporters of Fujimori have been protesting outside the offices of the ONPE, which organized the election and the count, and the JNE, which rules on disputed votes.

Trying to 'generate violence'

"With the call for new elections they are trying to generate violence," Castillo's running mate for vice president Dina Boluarte said at Tuesday's press conference.&nbsp;

Peruvian Cardinal Pedro Barreto, meanwhile, urged people to respect the rules of democracy and said the Catholic Church would be available to mediate between the two parties once a winner is announced.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hungary-adopts-child-sex-abuse-law-that-also-targets-lgbt-community-391725">Also Read |&nbsp;Hungary adopts child sex abuse law that also targets LGBT community</a>

"It is understandable that we are frustrated, bewildered and that political uncertainty is wreaking havoc in our daily lives, but we must respect the deadlines," he told the RPP broadcaster, adding: "We cannot force or advance processes."

For analyst Hugo Otero, it appeared that rightwing groups fearful of a Fujimori defeat were plotting to have Montoya appointed in her stead.

And Lucia Dammert, a Peruvian academic who lives in Chile, tweeted: "A coup attempt is being organized in&nbsp;Peru&nbsp;to prevent the people's choice from being implemented. A group, mainly from Lima, has created a narrative that is harmful to the country and its weak democracy."

High stakes

On Monday, UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet expressed concern over rising tension in&nbsp;Peru&nbsp;in the aftermath of the election, and urged all parties to "remain calm."

For Fujimori, the stakes are more than mere power.

Unless she wins, she faces a trial on corruption charges that would otherwise be delayed until after her presidential term.

Prosecutors have said they would seek a 30-year jail term for Fujimori on charges of taking money from scandal-tainted Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht to fund failed presidential bids in 2011 and 2016.

Fujimori, who has already spent 16 months in pre-trial detention,&nbsp;denies the allegations.

Peru's leftist presidential hopeful Pedro Castillo sought Tuesday to defend his narrow lead in the elections that his rightwing rival Keiko Fujimori is disputing as she fights to avoid an imminent corruption trial.

Peru's leftist presidential hopeful Pedro Castillo sought Tuesday to defend his narrow lead in the elections that his rightwing rival Keiko Fujimori is disputing as she fights to avoid an imminent corruption trial. Castillo, who has rejected calls for the deeply divisive June 6 vote to be annulled, held a rally in Lima Tuesday night where he called on the country's election jury to "once and for all, stop dragging on and keeping the Peruvian people in anxiety, and to respect the popular will of this country." "Today begins the real battle to end the great inequalities that the country has," the candidate told thousands of supporters from the balcony of his party headquarters. Earlier, he insisted he was "patiently awaiting a result" even as Fujimori claimed fraud and her backers called for fresh elections. Also Watch | Socialist Pedro Castillo clings on to tight lead in Peru election as count nears end Peruvians voted last Sunday for their fifth president in three years after a series of crises and corruption scandals saw three different leaders in office in a single week last November. With 100 percent of ballots now counted, rural school teacher Castillo, 51, was leading by just over 44,000 votes, or 50.12 percent to Fujimori's 49.87 percent, according to the ONPE election body. But Fujimori has asked Peru's JNE election jury -- which calls the final winner -- to annul tens of thousands of ballots, possibly flipping the balance in her favor. The JNE's review of the votes she has challenged started last week. All eyes are now on this tribunal. Observers from the Organization of American States have declared the ballot free and with no "serious irregularities." On Monday, lawmaker and retired admiral Jorge Montoya, a Fujimori backer, called for "new elections" to be held. With 63 other retired generals and admirals, he questioned the fairness of the vote -- prompting Peru's defense ministry to stress the group "does not represent the Armed Forces." Fujimori adviser Fernando Rospigliosi told AFP: "I do not know if it is legally possible to annul the elections, but every day there is evidence of manipulation of electoral records and a series of irregularities." Supporters of Fujimori have been protesting outside the offices of the ONPE, which organized the election and the count, and the JNE, which rules on disputed votes. Trying to 'generate violence' "With the call for new elections they are trying to generate violence," Castillo's running mate for vice president Dina Boluarte said at Tuesday's press conference. Peruvian Cardinal Pedro Barreto, meanwhile, urged people to respect the rules of democracy and said the Catholic Church would be available to mediate between the two parties once a winner is announced. Also Read | Hungary adopts child sex abuse law that also targets LGBT community "It is understandable that we are frustrated, bewildered and that political uncertainty is wreaking havoc in our daily lives, but we must respect the deadlines," he told the RPP broadcaster, adding: "We cannot force or advance processes." For analyst Hugo Otero, it appeared that rightwing groups fearful of a Fujimori defeat were plotting to have Montoya appointed in her stead. And Lucia Dammert, a Peruvian academic who lives in Chile, tweeted: "A coup attempt is being organized in Peru to prevent the people's choice from being implemented. A group, mainly from Lima, has created a narrative that is harmful to the country and its weak democracy." High stakes On Monday, UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet expressed concern over rising tension in Peru in the aftermath of the election, and urged all parties to "remain calm." For Fujimori, the stakes are more than mere power. Unless she wins, she faces a trial on corruption charges that would otherwise be delayed until after her presidential term. Prosecutors have said they would seek a 30-year jail term for Fujimori on charges of taking money from scandal-tainted Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht to fund failed presidential bids in 2011 and 2016. Fujimori, who has already spent 16 months in pre-trial detention, denies the allegations.

Peru nervously awaits outcome nine days after presidential vote

Peru's presidential election front-runner Pedro Castillo was poised for victory on Friday night, despite legal wrangles over the ultra-close vote count that had ignited tensions in the Andean nation.

"We call on the Peruvian people to stay alert," Castillo told supporters in the middle of last-minute legal disputes over the tight vote count.

According to local media, electoral authorities had considered changing rules to allow right-wing rival Keiko Fujimori to challenge the validity of some 200,000 votes but ultimately declined to make the changes in the afternoon, following intense pressure from Castillo's camp.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/socialist-pedro-castillo-clings-on-to-tight-lead-in-peru-election-as-count-nears-end-390318/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Castillo is ahead of Fujimori by 60,000 votes with 99.6 per cent&nbsp;of votes counted.

Castillo, an elementary school teacher who has fired up support from poorer, rural Peruvians, had raised concerns about plans by the opposition to nullify votes in underserved areas where he had majority support and sought clarity from the electoral body over the process.

The comments underscored rising tensions in the copper-rich nation that has been on tenterhooks since the Sunday vote. Castillo has 50.2 per cent&nbsp;of the ballots, narrowly ahead of Fujimori, who has made unsubstantiated allegations of fraud.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peru-election-race-tightens-a-week-before-polarized-vote-388474">Peru election race tightens a week before polarized vote</a>

Peru's electoral jury has not commented during the day on the media reports that said it was considering changing the rules.

Vladimir Cerron, head of Castillo's Free Peru party, was even more strident, saying on Twitter that "the people must rise up" in defence of the vote. He had earlier claimed victory for Castillo in the knife-edge election.

The country's electoral authority has yet to confirm a winner, but most observers and some regional leftist leaders, including from Argentina and Bolivia, have congratulated Castillo as the victor, prompting protests from Peru's government.

"Several presidents in the world are congratulating the victory of Pedro Castillo, in other words, he has solid international legitimacy," Cerron wrote.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/with-rattles-and-smoke-peru-shamans-predict-election-outcome-387804/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

A divided Peru

Fujimori has yet to concede the election and her supporters have called for protests against the result.

The daughter of jailed former President Alberto Fujimori, she has doubled down on unsubstantiated allegations of fraud, and members of her party have said they will not concede until all votes and appeals are counted, which could still take days.

Castillo himself has also stopped short of proclaiming himself the winner.

The election has bitterly divided Peruvians among class lines, with higher-income citizens supporting Fujimori while many low-income Peruvians supported Castillo, including in key mining regions of the country, the world's no. 2 copper producer.

Castillo was not a member of the Free Peru party before his presidential run. It is still unclear whether he would adopt its far-leftist stance for the economy if in power.

In recent days, he has recruited Pedro Francke, a moderate left economist as his adviser.

Peru's presidential election front-runner Pedro Castillo was poised for victory on Friday night, despite legal wrangles over the ultra-close vote count that had ignited tensions in the Andean nation.

Peru's presidential election front-runner Pedro Castillo was poised for victory on Friday night, despite legal wrangles over the ultra-close vote count that had ignited tensions in the Andean nation. "We call on the Peruvian people to stay alert," Castillo told supporters in the middle of last-minute legal disputes over the tight vote count. According to local media, electoral authorities had considered changing rules to allow right-wing rival Keiko Fujimori to challenge the validity of some 200,000 votes but ultimately declined to make the changes in the afternoon, following intense pressure from Castillo's camp. Castillo is ahead of Fujimori by 60,000 votes with 99.6 per cent of votes counted. Castillo, an elementary school teacher who has fired up support from poorer, rural Peruvians, had raised concerns about plans by the opposition to nullify votes in underserved areas where he had majority support and sought clarity from the electoral body over the process. The comments underscored rising tensions in the copper-rich nation that has been on tenterhooks since the Sunday vote. Castillo has 50.2 per cent of the ballots, narrowly ahead of Fujimori, who has made unsubstantiated allegations of fraud. Also read | Peru election race tightens a week before polarized vote Peru's electoral jury has not commented during the day on the media reports that said it was considering changing the rules. Vladimir Cerron, head of Castillo's Free Peru party, was even more strident, saying on Twitter that "the people must rise up" in defence of the vote. He had earlier claimed victory for Castillo in the knife-edge election. The country's electoral authority has yet to confirm a winner, but most observers and some regional leftist leaders, including from Argentina and Bolivia, have congratulated Castillo as the victor, prompting protests from Peru's government. "Several presidents in the world are congratulating the victory of Pedro Castillo, in other words, he has solid international legitimacy," Cerron wrote. A divided Peru Fujimori has yet to concede the election and her supporters have called for protests against the result. The daughter of jailed former President Alberto Fujimori, she has doubled down on unsubstantiated allegations of fraud, and members of her party have said they will not concede until all votes and appeals are counted, which could still take days. Castillo himself has also stopped short of proclaiming himself the winner. The election has bitterly divided Peruvians among class lines, with higher-income citizens supporting Fujimori while many low-income Peruvians supported Castillo, including in key mining regions of the country, the world's no. 2 copper producer. Castillo was not a member of the Free Peru party before his presidential run. It is still unclear whether he would adopt its far-leftist stance for the economy if in power. In recent days, he has recruited Pedro Francke, a moderate left economist as his adviser.

Peru's Castillo on verge of being named President after last-minute vote wrangling

Peruvian socialist candidate Pedro Castillo held on to a narrow lead late on Tuesday in the country's runoff presidential election, as tensions rose over contested ballots and accusations of fraud, which sparked protests outside the elections office.

Socialist Pedro Castillo clings on to tight lead in Peru election as count nears end

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