Peruvian voters face a delay in learning the outcome of Sunday's presidential election. Logistical problems, including thousands unable to cast ballots, prompted electoral authorities to extend voting hours. Over 52,000 residents in Lima, along with Peruvians in Orlando, Florida, and Paterson, New Jersey, will now vote on Monday.
The election takes place against a backdrop of surging violent crime and corruption, fueling widespread voter discontent. Many view candidates as dishonest and unprepared to tackle the nation's challenges. Among the 35 contenders vying to become Peru's ninth president in a decade, proposals to combat crime include building mega-prisons and reinstating the death penalty.
More than 27 million registered voters are participating. A candidate needs over 50% of the vote to win outright, but a runoff election in June is highly probable due to a divided electorate and a record number of candidates. Voters are also electing members for a bicameral Congress, a significant reform concentrating power in the new upper chamber.