The upcoming election stands out for the unusually high number of candidates. More than thirty contenders have registered to run, making it one of the most crowded presidential races in the country’s history . This reflects a highly fragmented political landscape, where parties are divided, and new political movements continue to emerge without clear dominance.

For many voters, the wide range of options has not necessarily translated into enthusiasm. Instead, it has contributed to confusion and scepticism, with a large portion of the electorate still undecided. Analysts suggest that this reflects a broader sense of disillusionment, as citizens struggle to identify candidates who can effectively address the country’s ongoing challenges.

The campaign itself has been marked by a limited focus on detailed policy proposals. While candidates have put forward a variety of ideas, critics argue that there has been little in-depth debate on key issues such as public security , corruption, and economic inequality. As a result, the election has often been characterised more by personalities than by clear political programmes.

Despite the political turmoil, Peru’s economy has remained relatively stable compared to other countries in the region. However, experts warn that continued instability could eventually affect investor confidence and economic performance, especially if the next government struggles to maintain consistent policies.

With no clear frontrunner likely to secure an outright majority, a second-round runoff appears almost certain. This means that alliances and voter mobilisation will play a crucial role in determining the final outcome. As election day approaches, Peru faces a critical moment that could either stabilise its political system or prolong a cycle of uncertainty.

The report triggered a wave of messages and speculation online — enough for the billionaire to break his usual silence.

“I have been getting many messages today, and I also saw the story that has been circulating. Let me put things to rest: I am not entering politics,” Ang said in a statement on Thursday.

Ang has an estimated net worth of $3.75 billion, making him the fourth richest man in the Philippines. He has built his war chest primarily through San Miguel Corp., the largest conglomerate in the country, which has made a mark in the brewery, infrastructure , and many other ventures.

Ang stressed that he prefers to remain focused on business and public service through private-sector initiatives. 

“Most people know me as someone who works quietly in business, building projects, fixing what I can, and supporting government and communities. That is where I believe I can contribute the most, and that is where I intend to stay,” he said.

Politiko had earlier reported that “the name of bilyonaryo Ramon Ang is reportedly being floated in business circles as a potential ‘consensus caretaker’ as the Marcos administration grapples with an escalating corruption scandal and deepening political fractures.” 

Citing unnamed “scoopers,” the site said some of the country’s wealthiest tycoons were entertaining a scenario where Ang could serve as a stabilizing force in the event of political paralysis.

The article also claimed that Manila’s elite were discussing the possibility of a military-backed “reset” to restore order and calm investor panic, instead of a traditional coup — an idea that has gained attention as corruption allegations and Cabinet exits have shaken the administration. 

Politiko pointed to a worsening economic backdrop marked by plunging investor sentiment, a battered peso, and one of the world’s poorest-performing stock markets.

The situation further deteriorated after Sen. Imee Marcos publicly accused her brother, the President, of long-time drug use, raising doubts about his ability to remain in office. The allegations helped fuel a large anti-corruption protest in Metro Manila this November.

Against this backdrop, Politiko reported that some tycoons now believe the crisis has reached a point where “normal politics can no longer fix” the country’s problems. 

Amid the swirl of rumors, Ang sought to redirect attention away from palace intrigue and toward national cooperation. 

He emphasized that his role will remain outside electoral politics.

“Our country is facing many challenges, and it is understandable that people want things resolved quickly. But moving forward will never depend on one individual. It will take government , private sector, and the public all moving in the same direction,” he said.

Weeks of mounting frustration over power cuts, water shortages, rising living costs, and corruption brought thousands of protesters onto the streets across Madagascar. The demonstrations, largely driven by young people, intensified pressure on Rajoelina’s government.

As unrest spread, an elite military unit launched a coup, claiming to be acting in response to public demands. Facing escalating threats, Rajoelina fled the country, later saying he feared for his life.

Why was Rajoelina stripped of citizenship?

On Friday, Madagascar’s new authorities announced that Rajoelina had been formally stripped of his Malagasy nationality after it emerged he had acquired French citizenship in 2014 — a move that violates the country’s nationality laws, which forbid dual citizenship for sitting presidents.

Officials argued that by obtaining French nationality, Rajoelina had automatically forfeited his Malagasy citizenship, rendering his presidency constitutionally invalid.

Who is leading the country now?

Michael Randrianirina, the military officer who led the coup, was sworn in as head of state on 17 October. He has promised to organise elections within two years and restore civilian rule. However, his government faces scepticism both at home and abroad over its legitimacy and the timeline for a return to democracy.

What’s the link to the money-laundering case in Mauritius?

The crisis took another turn when Maminiaina Ravatomanga, a prominent businessman and close ally of Rajoelina, was arrested in Mauritius. He is accused of laundering more than $160 million through assets in the country.

According to a spokesperson for Mauritius’ Financial Crimes Commission (FCC), Ravatomanga was detained at a private clinic in Port Louis, where he had gone for treatment. The FCC said there were “reasonable grounds to believe” he had managed several entities involved in handling proceeds from criminal activities.

Ravatomanga’s lawyer, Siddartha Hawaldar, confirmed his client’s arrest but declined to comment on the allegations.

The former president’s whereabouts remain unknown. Authorities have not confirmed whether he has sought asylum abroad. Meanwhile, Madagascar’s transitional government faces the challenge of stabilising a nation once again plunged into political uncertainty.