Lima, October 6 (teleSUR-RHC)-- On Sunday, for the first time in Peruvian history, citizens voted in a primary election to choose the country’s next presidential candidate of Frente Amplio, a coalition of leftist parties, movements, and independent citizens. In the historic elections, over 30,000 Peruvians voted in more than 350 polling stations across the country to decide who would represent the left in the upcoming elections.

Opinions at the polls were generally positive and hopeful. Natali Urbaia for instance stated after voting, "I think this is an opportunity for those who do are not party member but identify with a political cause to participate in the elections. That’s why I have come today to vote with my mother." Similarly, Marco Aurelio Lozano claimed, “Independently of who wins, the fact that this election is taking place and with a lot of people means we have already won." Another voter, Enrique Jáuregui stated, "I want to see if this can truly change the structure of the country so that it benefits us because right now it's hurting us."

Results are not final but out of the seven candidates, two are in the lead, closely competing for the opportunity to represent the left. One of them is current congresswoman from Cuzco Verónika Mendoza. On Monday, Mendoza spoke positively about the primaries, saying “this is bringing a lot of hope because it means that there are citizens who want to participate in politics and they do feel the calling when the ways of making politics are renewed. When decision-making is opened up to the people you can bring them into this process of renovation.”

The other candidate vying for the leadership of Frente Amplio is environmental activist and former Catholic priest from Cajamarca Marco Arana. He stated that “the fact that the parties are focused on the common good and not with private capital, leadership, or the property of the owner of the electoral inscription, frankly opens up for a encouraging democratizing process in the country that hopefully will be repeated and consolidated.”

Results will be announced on Wednesday but given that the number of people participating in the democratic process has surpassed all expectations, Frente Amplio is emerging as a serious contender for the general elections next April 2016.