Peru remains in a dead heat, but now with candidate Keiko Fujimori (Fuerza Popular) in the lead by a mere 1,027 votes over candidate Roberto Sánchez (Juntos por el Perú) as of press time. The possibility of either candidate taking office compels us to ask: what will the likely scenario be if either of the two proposals wins?
Right Wing: Instability, Repression, and Turning Its Back on the Majority
Keiko Fujimori’s right-wing platform has already been put to the test in the country over the past 10 years—and perhaps that is why, in March of this year, she had a 43.2% disapproval rating. Her Fuerza Popular party held a majority in Congress (73 out of 130 seats) during Martín Vizcarra’s administration (2018–2020), with whom she was in constant conflict, limiting the executive branch’s ability to govern. Today, the former president faces pending legal proceedings and is barred from holding office.
The political instability led to Peru having four (04) presidents during Pedro Pablo Kuczynski’s administration (2016–2021) (Kuczynski, Vizcarra, Manuel Merino, and Francisco Sagasti). And when Pedro Castillo came to power in 2021, a conspiracy to rebel was hatched, once again sparking political instability under the administrations of Dina Boluarte (nearly three years), José Jerí (130 days), and José María Balcazar (113 days to date).
During this period, Fuerza Popular has partnered with other political forces to take over state institutions, evade justice in ongoing legal proceedings against its leader, amend the Constitution to restore the bicameral system of the Congress of the Republic (despite the fact that the population voted “NO” in a referendum), referendum regulations, and the enactment of pro-crime laws that have plunged the country into public insecurity. It should be noted that these reforms were carried out despite the population’s total rejection; however, their demands were ignored (amidst severe repression that has plunged the country into mourning). Is there any intention of amendment? All signs point to no.
Left: A Change of Course and Institutional Weakness
The proposal from the left, led by Roberto Sánchez, is a long-standing demand and has already been attempted during several periods in Peru’s recent history. Dating back to the administration of Alejandro Toledo (2001–2006), when the so-called “March of the 4 Suyos” took place, uniting the country’s three regions (coast, highlands, and jungle); however, his administration failed to address social demands, and worse, today the former president has been sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for corruption.
Another leftist attempt was made during the administration of Ollanta Humala (2011–2016), when the former president entered the fray with a government plan called “The Great Transformation,” but in the second round, he transformed it into the “Roadmap” with a more business-oriented approach, putting aside the social demands of the moment.
And the latest attempt at a progressive government was made by former President Pedro Castillo (2021–2022), who, from the outset, was harassed by the political establishment of the time, revealing notable racism due to his rural background (and that of his supporters). His administration was marked by constant instability (two impeachment attempts by Congress), until in December 2022 he announced the unconstitutional dissolution of Congress and the establishment of a state of emergency government, which led to his removal from office. It is now known that this event was orchestrated by opposition forces, including Fuerza Popular.
The track record of right-wing and left-wing political proposals in Peruvian history does not paint an encouraging picture for the country, for any of the partisan sectors, although Sánchez’s willingness to seek consensus may be an important indicator.
And what do Peruvians want? In this new era, the public hopes to set aside antagonisms and work collectively toward urgent and long-term reforms—with transparency and without corruption, guided by the common good and the country’s development… But will our leaders rise to the challenge?