Polling stations opened at 0700 local time (1200 GMT) for roughly 27 million eligible voters, as no candidate appeared close to securing the more than 50% required to win outright. The likely second-round vote on June 7 could extend uncertainty in the world’s third-largest copper producer amid rising crime and shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Voters expressed frustration with the political class. “Peru is a mess, and there’s no candidate worth voting for,” said Lima resident Gloria Padilla, reflecting widespread disillusionment after years of turmoil.

Since 2018, Peru has had eight presidents, a rapid turnover driven by impeachments, corruption scandals and fragile governing coalitions that have hindered policymaking.

Analysts say the instability has deepened distrust in Congress and other institutions.“People really despise the current Congress,” said Martin Cassinelli of the Atlantic Council, adding that many voters hold lawmakers responsible for prolonged political chaos.

The fragmented field reflects a broad anti-establishment mood, with candidates ranging from experienced political figures to outsiders. Conservative Keiko Fujimori, making her fourth presidential bid after reaching three prior runoffs, has campaigned on restoring order and economic stability, appealing to voters concerned about rising crime.

Her candidacy remains polarizing due to her political legacy and past legal challenges.Ricardo Belmont, a former Lima mayor running on a center-left platform, has surged into contention after a late rise in support, while comedian Carlos Alvarez has gained traction with a tough-on-crime message.

On the right, businessman and former mayor Rafael Lopez Aliaga has promoted socially conservative policies, though his support has fluctuated.Public security has dominated the campaign, with increasing homicide and extortion rates linked partly to drug trafficking and illegal mining.

Leading candidates have proposed expanding the military’s role in domestic security.The election also carries broader geopolitical implications. Peru’s economic ties with China, its largest trading partner and a major investor in mining and infrastructure, have drawn attention from the United States, which has increased engagement in the lead-up to the vote.

Whoever advances to the runoff will face a divided Congress and a newly reinstated Senate, complicating legislative efforts and potentially raising the risk of further political confrontation.

Polls are set to close at 5 p.m. local time (2200 GMT), with preliminary results expected shortly afterward.

Global demand for sand, a key component in concrete, glass, and infrastructure development, has increased sharply in recent decades, driven by rapid urbanisation and large-scale construction projects.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, sand and gravel are the most extracted solid materials worldwide, exceeding fossil fuels and biomass in volume.

The material is essential for producing concrete, which underpins infrastructure such as roads, bridges, housing, and commercial developments. Rapid urban expansion in emerging economies has intensified demand, particularly in regions undergoing large-scale infrastructure investment.

However, not all sand is suitable for construction. Desert sand, shaped by wind erosion, is generally too smooth for use in concrete, leading to increased extraction from riverbeds, coastlines, and marine environments.

The extraction of sand from rivers and coastal areas has raised concerns about environmental degradation. UNEP reports indicate that excessive sand mining can lead to erosion, reduced water quality, loss of biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to flooding.

River ecosystems are particularly affected, as sediment removal alters natural flow patterns and habitats.In several countries, unregulated or illegal sand mining has emerged as a governance challenge. The high demand and relatively low cost of extraction have contributed to informal markets, complicating enforcement of environmental regulations.

Governments and international organisations have begun to address the issue through policy measures aimed at sustainable resource management. UNEP has called for improved monitoring, better data collection, and the development of alternatives to natural sand, including recycled construction materials.

The growing demand for sand has implications for global supply chains and construction costs. As easily accessible sources become depleted, transportation costs increase, affecting project economics.

In some regions, sand has become a strategic resource, influencing local markets and development planning.Efforts to promote sustainable construction practices, including material efficiency and recycling, are gaining attention among policymakers and industry stakeholders.

However, large-scale adoption remains limited, and natural sand continues to dominate supply.The issue highlights the broader challenge of balancing economic growth with resource sustainability.

As urbanisation continues, the pressure on sand resources is expected to persist, requiring coordinated policy responses at national and international levels.