You know it is election season in Peru when the number of public
works projects (obras) increases so much that traffic comes to a
virtual standstill. That’s how Lima is today ahead of the
municipal and regional elections that will be held in October
2010. Much is at stake as the outcomes are a telltale sign for
what may happen in next year’s presidential election The massive
display of obras during an election year is not uncommon. In
fact, they are strategic. Visible projects—like the construction
of an electric train and bus system in Lima—are displays of what
the government has done for its people, and are often used as a
form of propaganda by candidates running in incumbent seats.
Closely following the Latin American tradition of populismo,
incumbent candidates appeal to the masses through these obras.
Yet, the use of public works projects as propaganda can pose
risks too. Publicly displayed accomplishments might also expose
the corruption associated with their construction. Lima has a
history of failed p