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Peruvians Vote in Run-Off Presidential Election
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=12786B5:3919ACA Heading into
Sunday's poll, former President Alan Garcia and political newcomer
Ollanta Humala traded sharp criticisms over policies





A man walks by billboards for Peruvian Presidential candidate Ollanta
Humala, left, and Alan Garcia, right, in Lima PeruVoters in Peru are
casting ballots in the presidential run-off election.

Heading into Sunday's poll, former President Alan Garcia and political
newcomer Ollanta Humala traded sharp criticisms over policies.

Thousands of police officers have been activated to ensure order
during the election, which follows an initial round of voting in
April. 

Mr. Humala won first place at that time, but since then, Mr. Garcia
has taken a narrow lead over his challenger.

Analysts say Mr. Humala's campaign may have been hurt by the
endorsement of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

Both Mr. Garcia and Mr. Humala, a former military commander, are seen
as populist candidates of the left, but their campaigns have sought to
emphasize differences.

The winner will succeed President Alejandro Toledo, who cannot seek a
second consecutive term.

Mr. Garcia has said his challenger's economic policies call for
radical changes, including the take-over of key industries.  Mr.
Humala has pointed to Mr. Garcia's earlier term in office, which is
blamed for triggering high inflation and an economic crisis in the
late 1980s.  Mr. Garcia says he has learned from his mistakes.

The Organization of American States has urged both candidates to
soften the rhetoric.  Some information for this report was provided by
AFP, AP and Reuters.


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