Who will be Peru's Next President?: Final List of Candidates

The list of people running for Presidency in Peru has finally kicked off, and a dozen have put their names forward. Among those who are vying for the highest office in the country is the daughter of a former president who is currently in prison for human rights violations.

Also running are two former presidents, businessmen, economists, and politicians, all of whom are trying to convince Peruvians that they are the best bet to turn the corruption and economic slowdown around.

Buenos Aires Herald reported that among the main contenders is the 40-year-old daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, Keiko, who is running for the second time, and is leading the polls with 33 percent of the vote. Her platform included a promise to revitalize the economy that is still expanding, despite its low growth over the past few years.

Former economy minister Pedro Pablo Kuczynski is running for the the Peruvians for Change party or PPL, trailing behind Fujimori with 16 percent of the vote, with many considering his 77 years to be a hindrance in governing effectively.

Then there's education sector businessman and former governor Cesar Acuna, who represents the Alliance for Progress party (APP), and formalized his candidacy last Sunday. Finally, there's Alan Garcia, a former president who is a representative of the American Popular Revolutionary Alliance.

Despite coming in at fourth in the local polls, Garcia is not losing hope, saying that "with the registering of the candidates, the Peruvian people will begin to reflect on who they trust and have always trusted. In this country, decisions are always taken in the final weeks."

Still, Fujimori seems to be the clear favorite in the polls. According to Voice of America, she is the only woman running in a competition against political old-timers. The latest poll results indicate, however, that the election, slated to take place in April, will go to a run-off if none of the hopefuls reach the required 50 percent of votes by June.

Brookings noted that despite 2015 being a difficult year around the globe, Latin America's slow growth will not make things that much easier. The crucial presidential elections, for instance, would mark another electoral marathon, with a total of 14 presidential elections taking place in a period of four years. On a wider scope, it will mean that the 18 countries that comprised Latin America would have experienced 34 presidential elections in eight years.

Which candidate do you think is fit to lead Peru in the next few years as the nation's president?