Peru: why a fundamentalist sect became an unexpected winner in elections

[Judi Lynn]

Political party of Los Israelitas wins second largest share in new congress, and prompts concern over their fundamentalist views

Dan Collyns in Lima
@yachay_dc
Thu 30 Jan 2020 04.00 EST Last modified on Thu 30 Jan 2020 13.50 EST



A supporter of congressional candidates for the Agricultural People’s Party of Peru, which outperformed traditional parties and newer centrist or leftist options. Photograph: Rodrigo Abd/AP
In a country that takes pride in its colourful folklore, Los Israelitas – a religious sect whose members dress in flowing biblical robes – were regarded as just one more strand in Peru’s cultural tapestry.

That was until their political party became an unexpected winner in parliamentary elections on Sunday.

The political party of the Israelites of the New Universal Pact won the second largest share of the quick count vote, 8.9%, giving them one of largest blocs of lawmakers in Peru’s fragmented new congress – and prompting concerns over their fundamentalist views.

The Agricultural People’s Front of Peru, known by its acronym Frepap, was previously looked upon as a group of eccentric religious fanatics with marginal electoral prospects. But in Sunday’s election, they outperformed traditional parties and newer centrist or leftist options.

More:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/30/peru-why-a-fundamentalist-sect-became-an-unexpected-winner-in-elections