Number: RS22430
Title: Peru: 2006 Elections and Issues for Congress
Authors: Maureen Taft-Morales, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: Former President Alan Garcia continued his political comeback by being elected President on June 4, 2006, defeating populist Ollanta Humala. Not only the winning candidate will have an impact on U.S. relations with Peru: lacking a majority in the newly-elected Congress, Garcia will have to negotiate with the other parties to pass his program. Garcia generally favors free market policies. Humala campaigned on an antiglobalization platform; his alliance won the largest bloc in the legislature but is splintering before the legislators are even sworn in. Municipal and regional elections will be held on November 19. Other issues in U.S.-Peruvian relations include trade, drugs, democracy, and human rights. The two countries signed a free trade agreement. The Peruvian legislature ratified it in June; the U.S. Congress has held hearings and may vote on the agreement before fall elections.
Pages: 6
Date: July 13, 2006