1990 Peruvian general election

Background

At the time of the 1990 elections the government of Alan García of the Peruvian Aprista Party (APRA) faced significant public disapproval. This disapproval was due to attempts to nationalize the banking system, purportedly to control rampant inflation that had been uncontrollable since 1987. Garcia's administration was also marred by corruption scandals and a resurgence of terrorist violence, notably from the terrorist organization Shining Path. Consequently, it was anticipated that the elections would prompt a significant right-wing response.

Presidential candidates

Mario Vargas Llosa, a widely recognized writer, ran as the candidate of the tripartite coalition Democratic Front (FREDEMO). Vargas Llosa was initially favored to win decisively, potentially eliminating the need for a runoff, particularly given the perceived weakness of the incumbent APRA party. APRA nominated Luis Alva Castro, its second vice-president, as its candidate. However, as the campaign progressed, Alberto Fujimori, representing the small new party Cambio 90, began to gain increasing support in the polls. Fujimori's rise was attributed to his moderate profile, which drew support away from the traditional candidates.

Campaign

During the presidential runoff Fujimori received endorsements from United Left and Socialist Left, along with a faction of the APRA led by García. Vargas Llosa was supported by Ricardo Belmont, the newly elected mayor of Lima, and Ezequiel Ataucusi, the leader of the Agricultural People's Front. Vargas Llosa also received backing from various media outlets and personalities, including the newspaper Expreso, Panamericana Televisión and television host Augusto Ferrando.

Debates

A debate between Vargas Llosa and Fujimori took place on 3 June 1990 during the runoff campaign. This was the first televised debate in Peruvian presidential elections.

Opinion polls

President

First round

Results

Due to mandatory voting laws voter turnout was high, reaching 78% in the presidential election but notably lower in the legislative elections, with 68% for the Chamber of Deputies and 69% for the Senate. Voter turnout for the presidential runoff was slightly higher than in the first round at 80%.

President

In the first round Vargas Llosa received 33% of the votes, while Fujimori, who had initially polled at 1%, significantly increased his support to secure second place with 29% of the vote. Alva Castro of the incumbent APRA party finished in third place with 22% of the vote, the first time that the APRA candidate did not finish first or second in a free election. No other candidate exceeded 10% of the vote; the two main left-wing candidates representing United Left and Socialist Left finished in fourth and fifth place with 8% and 5% of the vote respectively.

As no candidate received more than 50% of the valid vote in the first round, a runoff was necessary for the first time in Peruvian history. Fujimori achieved a decisive victory with 62% of the vote, making him the first elected president since the restoration of democracy to secure over half of the total vote. Vargas Llosa saw a small increase in support from the first round, receiving 38% of the vote. Although Vargas Llosa had won across the country in the first round, in the runoff he only received a majority of the vote in the department of Loreto.

Chamber of Deputies

FREDEMO emerged as the largest party in both chambers, securing 20 senators and 62 deputies. Despite its presidential candidate finishing third, the APRA maintained its position as the second-largest party, winning 17 senate seats and 53 deputy seats. Cambio 90 led by Fujimori finished third, capturing 14 Senate seats and 32 in the Chamber of Deputies.

By constituency

Senate

Aftermath

The two chambers of the elected Congress in Peru were unable to complete their constitutional terms due to a self-coup by Fujimori on 5 April 1992, in which he dissolved Congress and intervened in the judiciary, effectively suspending the constitutional governance. Following the coup, Fujimori governed with full powers until the end of 1993, when a Democratic Constituent Congress was inaugurated. Despite the political upheaval, Fujimori completed his term and was re-elected in 1995. This period of governance led to significant constitutional reform, including the abolition of the Senate. As a result, the 1990 elections were the last for the bicameral parliament.

References

References

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