Peru to Elect Eighth President Amid Political Turmoil

Peru's Congress is preparing to elect the country's eighth president in a decade on Wednesday, following the impeachment of interim president Jose Jeri. Jeri, who held office for only four months, was removed due to allegations of corruption, specifically involving irregular hiring practices and graft linked to a Chinese businessman.

His impeachment occurred amid widespread protests and rising violence in Peru. The new president will be automatically appointed to serve until the end of the current term on July 28.

Four lawmakers are vying to replace Jeri: former speaker Maria del Carmen Alva, left-wing congressman Jose Balcazar, veteran socialist Edgard Reymundo, and politician Hector Acuna. This leadership change highlights the ongoing political instability in Peru, which has seen four presidents impeached and two resign to avoid removal over the past ten years, amidst public frustration over crime and economic challenges.