Peru: Political and economic outlookUnder the Presidency of Alejandro Toledo and more recently his Prime minister Pedro Kuczinski, Peru has enjoyed an improved economy and reduced poverty over the past 5 years.
- GDP is expected to grow 4.5% in '06 up from 1.8% in '05
- inflation will be among the best inLatin america at 1.8% in '06 down from 3.7% in '05.
- Peru recently signed a free trade agreement with the US to boost exports and improve trade relations with it's largest trade partner.
... so far so good
Perus has a presidential and congressional election coming up on April 9th.
The 2 main frontrunners, Lourdes Flores (considered pro-business) and Ollanta Humala (considered leftist and has possible currupt past) are virtually neck and neck. The 3rd, Alan Garcia, was president from 1985-1990 and left the country in an economic mess.
Likely the race will be between Flores and Humala. If noone wins at least 50% plus one vote of the popular vote then a runoff election will be held on May 7th between to top 2 candidates to determine the winner.
continued next post.