There are times when a country cannot afford to disperse. This is one of them. We have denounced serious irregularities in the first round, demanded the departure of the head of the ONPE and his team, and demanded an audit that guarantees a clean and transparent second round. That demand is inalienable. But the country cannot be stopped. Politics does not wait, even less so when the direction of Peru is at stake.
While the right today appears fragmented, on the other side the campaign continues its course: support is added, coalitions are activated and they are more articulate on social networks. Alfonso López Chau already appeared marching alongside Roberto Sánchez. Ronald Atencio participated in Antauro Humala’s congress, where both radicals ratified their support for Together for Peru. In recent days they have concentrated their actions seeking votes in Lima, which eluded them in the first round. This forces us to wonder what the block on the right is doing. Are there alliances in sight? Is there a joint plan to defend ideas? Is there a communication strategy? Is there a plan to attract the support of undecided voters?
Sánchez’s plan is not harmless. It proposes changing the Constitution, eliminating free private initiative, reviewing free trade agreements, intervening in the autonomy of the BCR, dismissing Julio Velarde, total state control over natural resources and strategic sectors, attacking agro-exports, even threatening the independence of the media. That is, it proposes dismantling the pillars that have sustained growth, employment and stability. Faced with that, where is the clear defense of those principles?
The right – and all the democratic forces that reject a project of regression, hunger and uncertainty, today reinforced by the support of the criminal Antauro Humala and his anti-system discourse – must understand that this is not the time for individual calculations. Urgency, unity and a sense of responsibility are required, both in the campaign and in building majorities in Congress. Both Fuerza Popular and Renovación Popular have to realize the role they will play in the next Parliament to stop any radical drift on the left. It’s time to stop wasting time.
The discourse of the white or flawed vote is also worrying. It can be born from frustration, but voting blank or flawed is letting others decide for you. But what cannot be tolerated in any way are calls for insurgency or a “democratic coup.” It is unacceptable to ask for something like that. Institutionalism is not defended by knocking it down. There is also no cause to justify attacks such as those that occurred in front of the JNE president’s home.
Peru faces a clear dilemma: either the center and right-wing forces understand the gravity of the moment and act accordingly, or we will once again pay the cost of division. Recent history has already taught us enough lessons. Ignoring them, this time, would be unforgivable.
