MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Peruvian president on the tight rope.

An overwhelming majority of Peruvians given the stagnant political situation face a yet unresolved dilemma: whether to anticipate elections or declare the presidential office “vacant”, according to the latest opinion polls published this Sunday.

Datum polls show that 34% of Peruvians believe President Alejandro Toledo should anticipate elections which are scheduled for 2006.

Another 31% prefer Congress to declare the Executive "vacant", and 8% would rather let things as they are and wait for the next presidential election.

The Peruvian constitution contemplates a presidential "vacancy" when Congress accepts the president's resignation; abandonment of the post; judicial sentence for crimes in office or constitutional breach; permanent physical or mental incapacity declared by Congress and an incompatible conduct with office.

If this eventually happens Mr. Toledo would be succeeded by the president of Congress, Henry Pease who would then call an early election, no further than six months.

The same Datum poll shows 11% of those interviewed supporting a military coup and 8% a popular uprising.

President Toledo's support stands at 7%, disapproval 91% and 2% didn't reply.

The Toledo administration in a desperate effort to recover public opinion confidence has launched a massive publicity campaign highlighting government achievements.

But the poll indicates that Peruvians are more concerned with unemployment 45%; the economic situation 23% and corruption 19%.