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Coca Leaf Ruling Splits Views in Peru

October 21, 2005
(Angus Reid Global Scan) – Adults in Peru’s metropolitan area are divided over a recent court decision, according to a poll by Universidad de Lima. 43.5 per cent of respondents in Lima and Callao agree with the Constitutional Tribunal’s decision to uphold a ban on the cultivation of coca leaves, while 48.3 per cent disagree.

In July, the Peruvian government announced its intention to seek legal action against Cuzco’s regional administration for authorizing the cultivation of coca leaves. The Peruvian government claimed the order contravened existing national directives.

In September, Peru’s foremost tribunal ruled that Cuzco’s government—headed by Carlos Cuaresma—had acted "against the constitution" when it permitted the "unrestrained" cultivation of coca leaves.
Cuaresma expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, and urged Peruvian president Alejandro Toledo to participate in "a very serious debate" to establish guidelines for the use of coca leaves for "medicinal purposes" not related to drug trafficking.

Polling Data

Do you agree or disagree with the Constitutional Tribunal’s decision to uphold a ban on the cultivation of coca leaves?

Agree 43.5%
Disagree 48.3%
Not sure 7.2%
No reply 1.1%

Source: Universidad de Lima
Methodology: Interviews to 630 Peruvian adults in Lima and Callao, conducted on Oct. 8 and Oct. 9, 2005. Margin of error is 3.9 per cent.