Peruvians vote in crowded presidential race as runoff looms - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipwFBVV95cUxOLTZjcUFtVjFpT1RYUlBJbWxxalZtSmE4TW9CdjVGUlFjUXNGQm9VdkYtdktMZXBJYjlqMGZxSDVKY1B5dXpKYjY3ZmN2TnFtYzJLcngwR1hEeTIzQ1Ntb2hmeFpKRVJjUzhCRU5ZUFhHYXZLMlhnRnlXcjIzZFp4YTVCd0hSZjJzWVNqWDQyMmp5QWlrajlOTjlwODJVMHllbW9fMWFEMA?oc=5" target="_blank">Peruvians vote in crowded presidential race as runoff looms</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

Peru celebrates presidential elections on April 12, 2026, amid deep political instability, aiming to elect its ninth president in a decade. With 35 candidates and none surpassing 20% in polls, a runoff on June 7 is anticipated. The campaign has focused on radical proposals centered on citizen security, overshadowing fundamental issues like health and education. The influence of former president Pedro Castillo, imprisoned for three years for an attempted self-coup, still affects the electoral landscape, with several candidates promising his pardon.

Peru's 2026 general elections are held amid a profound political and institutional crisis marked by party fragmentation, citizen distrust, and governmental instability. Since the fall of Fujimori's regime in 2001, the country has been governed by presidents without solid congressional support, and between 2016 and 2026, eight presidents have served, none completing their term. The April 12 elections present a historic record with 35 presidential candidates and 37 parties, reflecting strong political disengagement: nearly half of the electorate has no clear preference and might vote blank or annul their vote.

In the final stretch of Peru's 2026 presidential campaign, leading candidates held striking events filled with spectacle. Carlos Álvarez, a comedian turned politician, closed his campaign with a show in Chosica, returning to his comedic roots that propelled him to second place in the polls. Keiko Fujimori, leader of Fuerza Popular, also closed her campaign in Villa El Salvador with Creole music, aiming for her fourth candidacy after three consecutive defeats. Rafael López Aliaga of Renovación Popular organized an event with seven orchestras despite a decline in his popularity and recent controversial statements. Ricardo Belmont, veteran politician and former mayor, revived his public figure and reached second place after filling Plaza San Martín. Roberto Sánchez of Juntos por el Perú made a theatrical entrance on horseback in Plaza Dos de Mayo, promising to pardon Pedro Castillo, whom he declares his political heir. The campaign reflected the spectacular tone that often characterizes Peruvian politics.

On Sunday, April 12, 2026, more than 27 million Peruvians will go to the polls to elect the new president who will replace interim José María Balcázar, as well as 130 deputies, 60 senators, and Andean parliamentarians. The election takes place in a context of distrust towards the political class, with a campaign criticized for the lack of clear proposals on issues like insecurity and institutional weakening. Of the 35 presidential candidates, three stand out according to polls: Keiko Fujimori (Fuerza Popular), Carlos Álvarez (País para Todos), and Rafael López Aligia (Renovación Popular). None surpass 15% of voting intention, so a runoff on June 7 is almost certain. Voting centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and citizens must bring their ID. Voting is mandatory for adults, except for those over 70 years old, for whom it is optional.