We are just three days away from the main event, and what you mention accurately describes the magnitude of this process. The 2026 Peruvian General Elections represent a historic milestone, not only because of the number of political parties, but also because of the return to a system the country hasn’t seen for over three decades.
Here are the key points that define the complexity of this electoral process:
- The Return to Bicameralism
Unlike previous elections, in these elections Peruvians will elect a Congress composed of two chambers, totaling 190 members:
Chamber of Deputies: 130 representatives (elected by electoral districts).
Chamber of Senators: 60 members (30 elected by a single national electoral district and 30 by electoral districts).
- Historical Fragmentation
As you correctly point out, the ONPE (National Office of Electoral Processes) has had to design an unprecedented logistical operation due to the presence of more than 40 political parties. This has directly impacted:
The Ballot: A more extensive and complex design to include all symbols and names.
The Vote Counting Time: The vote count is expected to be significantly slower than in previous years.
- Budget and Logistics
The budget increase to 1.5 billion soles is justified by several critical factors:
Primary Elections: For the first time, they were implemented as mandatory and open primaries to select candidates.
Infrastructure: The need to open more polling places to avoid overcrowding due to the increased number of voting tables.
Voting Abroad: A massive organization for the millions of Peruvians residing outside the country.
- Political Climate and “A Vote of Hope”
The slogan promoted by the National Elections Board (JNE) and the composition of Juan Carlos Fernández’s campaign aim to counteract the high level of indecision, which, according to the latest polls this week, still fluctuates between 35% and 40% of the electorate. The leading candidates (such as Keiko Fujimori, Carlos Álvarez, and Rafael López Aliaga) maintain very narrow margins, making a runoff election almost certain.
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Important Information: Remember that this Sunday, April 12, voting is mandatory for all Peruvian citizens residing in the country aged 18 and over. The voting hours suggested by the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE) remain based on the last digit of the voter’s ID number to facilitate voter flow.