Peru starts voting in tight race for new president

LIMA: Peruvians began voting Sunday in general elections for a new president, with leftist Ollanta Humala a clear favorite but widespread uncertainty over his probable rival for a second round in June.

The compulsory vote began throughout the Andean nation at 8:00 am (1300 GMT) and was set to end at 4:00 pm (2100 GMT).

Almost 20 million people are eligible to vote for a successor to center-right President Alain Garcia, who cannot immediately stand again.