LIMA, Peru (AP) - Peruvian President Dina Boluarte announced on Tuesday that the country will hold general elections in April 2026 as a measure to address the ongoing political instability that has plagued Peru for years. This decision comes in light of growing public dissatisfaction and challenges faced by her administration.
Boluarte, who has been struggling with a 93% disapproval rating as reported by a national poll from Datum Internacional in March, stated that the upcoming elections will involve the election of a new president, 130 deputies, and 60 senators. Notably, this will be the first time Peru's bicameral election system will be utilized since the early 1990s.
During her brief nationwide television address, Boluarte did not clarify whether she plans to run in the elections. She assumed office in December 2022 to complete the term of former President Pedro Castillo, who was ousted just two years into his five-year term after an ill-fated attempt to dissolve the legislature to evade his own impeachment.
In recent weeks, Boluarte's government has come under increased scrutiny, particularly following mounting public outrage over escalating violence and crime throughout the country. A significant incident that highlighted these issues was the tragic shooting of Paul Flores, the 39-year-old lead singer of the popular cumbia band Armonia 10. Flores was fatally shot when assailants targeted his band's tour bus after a concert in Lima.
In response to this alarming trend, Boluarte declared a state of emergency in the capital on March 19, 2024, and ordered military deployment to assist police in combating the surge in violence. This declaration coincided with the opposition lawmakers' request for a no-confidence vote against the interior minister, who had been under fire for his inability to manage the escalating crime rates in the Andean nation.
Additionally, the Peruvian Congress recently voted to remove the interior minister from office, citing inadequate responses to the increasing violent crime that has seen 2,057 reported killings in 2024, compared to 1,506 in the previous year. Prior to the emergency state declared in March, Boluarte's government had already imposed a state of emergency from September to December 2023 in an attempt to tackle the violence gripping the nation.
As the country approaches the 2026 general elections, Boluarte's administration is pressing forward with urgent efforts to restore order and regain public confidence amidst rising turmoil. The discussions surrounding the upcoming elections hold significant implications for the future political landscape of Peru, as citizens await a democratic process that they hope will lead to effective governance and stability.
