Peruvian Masquerade

As the candidates make their promises on the campaign trail in Peru, it’s tempting to believe that democracy is blooming there. But the illusion is thin. In seeking an unprecedented third term, President Alberto Fujimori has made a mockery of both democracy and the campaign process. The White House, the Organization of American States and the Atlanta-based Carter Center have expressed their concern and called for a fair election.

Washington should go one step further and state that a fraudulent outcome in Sunday’s voting would irreparably harm the U.S.-Peruvian relationship.

Despite the obstacles, including an incumbent who uses almost every dirty trick conceivable, voters could redress the balance. In Alejandro Toledo--a candidate of Indian heritage who went from shoeshine boy to business school professor--there’s a possibility that Fujimori has met his match. Most polls indicate that Toledo could prevent Fujimori from gaining a first-round majority and could beat the president in a runoff if he gains the support of Fujimori’s other opponents. However, a high turnout would be needed to pull this off.

Some opposition candidates have accused the government of sending them anonymous death threats. Through shameless schemes that include relentlessly intimidating the press, the government now holds sway over most of the media. Independent domestic and international observers have noted that Fujimori, in office since 1990, enjoys disproportionate and biased media coverage. The president and his cronies have even snatched away ownership of independent media.

Fujimori is not without legitimate support. He inherited a country in chaos. Encouraged by the United States, he installed a free-market economy that has worked efficiently, despite a current slump generated by the effects of economic globalization and the disruptions of the El Nino weather phenomenon in 1998 and 1999. He has also been able to pulverize a powerful and irrational guerrilla movement and humiliate its leadership. And just as efficiently, with the generous help of the United States, he has virtually run the drug cartels out of the country.

The restoration of order, however, has come at an increasingly high price. Fujimori’s iron hand also summarily shut down Peru’s congress, demanded and got the constitution changed to allow him more terms in office and swept the judiciary clean of those who disagreed with his usurpation of powers.

Some call it an “elected authoritarian regime.” But the real name is masquerade, and it should end on Sunday.