Fujimoristas will dominate new Congress in Peru

Subject

The return of 'Fujimorismo'?

Significance

With Fuerza Popular (FP), the party of Keiko Fujimori, enjoying an absolute majority in the next Congress, it has become the dominant party in Peru's weakly constituted party system. Far from being the 'anti-party' movement that it was under the government of Keiko's father, Alberto Fujimori, FP has become a political machine with roots and organisation, especially in the provinces outside Lima. It advocates a blend of market-led economic policies with measures to get tough on crime.

Impacts

• Peruvian politics has become a battleground between Fujimorismo and its opponents.
• Even if Kuczynski wins, he will have to cohabit with a Fujimori-dominated legislature.
• If Fujimori wins, she will seek to release her father from jail.
• The left-wing Frente Amplio will be the main, albeit minority, voice of opposition over the next few years.