Internet in Peru

Last class we were discussing the top websites in each country.  I looked at Alexa.com, a web information site that shows that most popular websites by country. 

The country of Peru top websites in order are Facebook, Google, Google Peru, and YouTube.  Other notable websites include ElComercio.pe, the website for the highest selling newspaper in Peru, at number 8 and rpp.com.pe  which is a website for the network of radio stations that give you up to the minute news, sports, and entertainment.

Looking at the website , Paul Mcartney was on the front page probably due to a concert he recently had in Lima.  Maybe the effect of the Internet has caused the media to be more "pop culture" instead of just giving the news.  Maybe one negative effect could be that due to this new adaptation of the media, the people of Peru will be more interested in what their favorite celebrity is doing.  This of course will be provided to them with the around the clock coverage.

The Internet also does some good however.  I think websites like facebook help exporting ideas and cultures and works to keep the world more united even through this social network. 

Peru, Mexico, Chile and Colombia sign agreement

Alan Garcia of Peru, Felipe Calderon of Mexico, Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia and Sebastian Pinera of Chile signed the Declaration of Lima Peruviantimes.com reports.  With the approval of all four presidents, it is clear that they seek a creation for a free trade area for the four countries.

Presidents signing Declaration of Lima

According to state news agency Adina, "the main points of the declaration are to establish a pacific alliance and to promote  regional integration through stronger economical growth, development, and better competitiveness."

This declaration would also call for another meeting in Mexico where the four leaders will discuss the progress of the Lima agreement.  This meeting is set for December

Opinion poll gives edge to Humala

A recent national poll done by Ipsos Apoyo in association with El Comercio that was taken on April 16 through April 21, shows Ollanta Humala to have a slight lead over Keiko Fujimori for Peru's presidential office.  This recent poll (results can be seen here) shows Humala to have 42 percent of voters support while Fujimori has 36 percent.

Polls have shown both candidates with leads in a matter of months.  Photo take from Elcomercio.pe

Although Humalla has a small lead, the poll also shows that 41 percent of the people that voted for Pedro Pablo Kuczynski would vote for Fujimori compared to the 20 percent of the vote that Humala would receive.  Kuczynski finished third in the first round elections with 18.5 percent of support.

In an interview with Peruviantimes.com, polical analyst Erasto Almeida said that Fujimori will try to portray Humala as a radical leftist who will lead Peru down the same path that Hugo Chavez lead Venezuela through.  He is not completely sold on this tactic however, by saying that Humala has little risk of losing his lead.

President Calderon, President Garcia Meet

Felipe Calderon President of Mexico arrived in Peru in what is the President's first visit to the country.  According to El Comercio Calderon is also set to meet with the members of the Peruvian Congress, Lima Mayor Susana Villaran and the head of the Judicial Branch.  President Calderon also had the chance to meet with Peruvian Presidential candidates Ollanta Humala and Keiko Fujimori.  The purpose of the meeting is to sign a double taxation treaty.

President Calderon (left) and President Garcia are having a pleasant conversation

Andina describes how President Calderon was welcomed with full military honors at the Courtyard of Honor at the Presidential Palace.

Statistics show that Peru's Economy rose in Febuary

According to National Statistics and Information Bureau, INEI the GDP or Gross Domestic Product rose 8.53 percent in the month of February.  This would be the 18th consecutive month that  the economy has risen in the country.  Adina, (Agencia Peruana de Noticias) which can be viewed here, is reporting that the main sectors responsible for the recent economic growth were; the Commercial sectors, fishing and electricity and water sectors, and agriculture sector.  These sectors rose 11.6, 9.09, 7.06, and 4.09 percent respectively. 


Humala vs Fujimori  Pt 2

This is an interesting conversation with George Washington University Professor Cynthia McClintock.  She further in depth to what I was basically talking about in my previous entry about the presidential candidates Ollanta Humala and Keiko Fujimori who are set to have a runoff in June.  McClintock describes how both candidates have become so controversial due to their pasts and also has a recap of the elections

To listen to the podcast click here

Want more in depth information on the Peru Elections of 2011? The WOLA Electoral Observation Delegation blog is a great source for information regarding the elections.

Former Prime Minister turns himself in

Former Prime Minister of Peru, Juan Carlos Hurtado Miller, has turned himself in to Peruvian Authorities after 10 years of seclusion.  After being accused of receiving money from President Alberto Fujimori in the year 2000, Miller went into hiding.  El Comercio is reporting that Miller was ordered to be under house arrest by a Lima court.

Hurtado Miller, now 70, awaits trial

So far, there have 78 government officials during the Alberto Fujimori presidency that are in prison and if Miller gets convicted, he will add to the list. 

The following YouTube video dwells into Miller's famous "God Help Us" speech where he was talking about taking drastic measure to ensure continual strength of the Peruvian economy at that time.

Humala, Fujimori set for runoff

With 30.9% of the votes, Olanta Humala has won the first round of the presidential elections for 2011.  But, because he failed to obtain more than 50% of the entire votes,  he will now have a runoff with Keiko Fujimori who came in second with 23.6%.  This runoff which will determine the Peruvian Presidency will take place on June 5, 2011.

Many political experts believe that Humala's "Peace and Love" campaign won him the first round vitory.

This Electoral Map which can be seen here shows what each candidate won.  For the most part, Humala won most of the southern region while Keiko Fujimori won the northern regions.



Humala vs Fujimori

Now that both of these candidates are in a runoff let's see the issues that each will tackle if elected president of Peru.  Humala envisions a Peru where the state has a larger role in the economy.  Not only will he have to amend the constitution to accomplish this but, this will certainly not bode well with business people who believe that the economy is fine just the way it is.

Meanwhile, Fujimori has said that she will continue the free market economy that her father, ex-president Alberto Fujimori established during his presidency in the early 2000s.  But, because her father was linked to corruption and other questionable ways of running the country, it might not be the best thing for her to be associated with him.


It's really ironic that both of these candidates received the mos votes because of the hate that Peruvians have for them.  In a recent poll, an astonishing 50% of voters said that they would NEVER vote for either Humalla or Fujimori.  This is a YouTube video that further describes the policies that both candidates want to implement if elected.  The broadcast really seems to take a "whoever wins we lose" attitude.