Peru presidential candidates face-off on TV debate

World Today

Just a week before Peruvians vote in presidential elections the two candidates, Keiko Fujimori and Pedro Pablo Kuczynski squared off in a televised presidential debate.

CCTV’s Dan Collyns reports from Lima.

Pedro Pablo Kuczynski said his opponent Keiko Fujimori, the daughter of the jailed ex-president Alberto Fujimori, would drag the country back to the nineties, when her authoritarian father was in power.

Peruvians either loathe or adore Alberto Fujimori who is serving 25-years for directing death squads and corruption.

Keiko, the heiress apparent to his lingering popularity, is leading by six points in the polls thanks to a strong campaign and backing from poorer voters.

She claimed Kuczynski would govern for the rich.

But Kuczynski flagged up allegations that members of Fujimori’s party were being investigated for links to drugs trafficking.

He warned Peru under Fujimori could become a narco-state.

“I categorically deny Mr. Kuzcynski’s charges in which he says Fuerza Popular (Party) would be connected to drug trafficking,” Fujimori said.

Polls show nearly 14 percent of voters are undecided or could spoil their ballot.

There’s still much to play for in this vote and just maybe luck or even good vibes could play a part.