Peru’s Crowded Election Leaves Room for a Surprise Contender

Peruvian presidential candidates during the third round of debates on tackling crime and corruption in Lima on March 25. — Peruvian presidential candidates during the third round of debates on tackling crime and corruption in Lima on March 25.Photographer: Ernesto Benavides/AFP/Getty Images

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By Carla Samon Ros

March 31, 2026 at 9:00 AM UTC

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With 35 candidates and about a third of Peruvians undecided or backing no one, a surprise contender could yet emerge in the final days ahead of the April 12 vote.