Peru Has a Choice: Democracy or a Return to Dictatorship
Chicago city councilor and Democratic Socialists of America member Carlos Ramirez-Rosa writes from Peru that the country’s elections this weekend offer two stark choices: a deepening of democracy or a return to right-wing dictatorship.
Peruvian presidential candidate Pedro Castillo speaks during a debate with right-wing opponent Keiko Fujimori in Chota, Peru on May 1, 2021. (Cesar Bazan / AFP via Getty Images)
On January 6, 2021, Americans were horrified to witness Donald Trump’s right-wing supporters storm the US Capitol in an attempt to overturn the presidential election. Their attempted insurrection against American democracy colossally failed, but the riot served as a reminder to Americans that democracy is fragile — and is a system that must be constantly defended.
I’m currently in Lima, Peru with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) to serve as an election observer for the country’s June 6 presidential runoff election. This Sunday, Peruvians will choose between leftist candidate Pedro Castillo, an educator and union leader, and Keiko Fujimori, a career politician and daughter of former dictator Alberto Fujimori.
I’ve served as a poll watcher in local and national US elections, but the stakes have never been as high as they currently are here in Peru.
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