Peruvians are set to head to the polls on Sunday, April 12, for the first round of the 2026 general election, choosing a president and members of a new bicameral Congress from a record field of 35 presidential candidates. No candidate is expected to secure more than 50% of the vote, making a June 7 runoff likely between the top two finishers.

Conservative Keiko Fujimori of Popular Force holds a slight lead in recent polls, polling around 12-15%. She is closely followed by Rafael López Aliaga of Popular Renewal, a former Lima mayor known for his ultra-conservative stance and proposals for Amazon prisons and expelling illegal foreigners. Other contenders include media entrepreneur Ricardo Belmont of OBRAS Civic Party, comedian-turned-politician Carlos Álvarez of Country for All, and former President Mario Vizcarra of Peru First. The fragmented field reflects deep voter distrust, with about 13-27% undecided.

Crime has surged as the top voter concern, with homicides doubling and extortion cases rising nearly fivefold over the past decade. More than 200 public transportation drivers were killed in 2025 alone, fueling support for tough-on-crime measures like megaprisons, anonymous judges, and restrictions on prisoner food. Corruption scandals have also eroded faith in institutions, contributing to Peru's revolving door of leadership.

The South American nation has seen nine presidents since 2016, most impeached, jailed, or ousted amid scandals linked to cases like Odebrecht bribery. Former President Pedro Castillo was removed in 2022 after attempting to dissolve Congress, sparking deadly protests. His successor, Dina Boluarte, faced massacres in Ayacucho and Juliaca before Congress ousted her in October 2025 over insecurity and graft. José Jerí briefly followed but was removed in February 2026; Congress then elected 82-year-old José María Balcázar as interim president. He is not running.

Voters will also elect 130 members to the Chamber of Deputies and 60 to the Senate, restoring a bicameral legislature after a 2024 constitutional change despite prior public opposition. The Senate gains significant powers, including the ability to remove the president with 40 votes and appoint key officials. Voting is mandatory for those aged 18 to 70, with over 27 million registered voters, including 1.2 million abroad.

Polling stations open at 7 a.m. local time and close at 5 p.m., using paper ballots nearly half a meter long due to the crowded slate. Campaigning ended Monday, leaving Saturday as a day of reflection. The U.S. Embassy issued a security alert for potential disruptions from political activity and demonstrations.

Analysts see the vote as a chance to break the cycle of instability, but the empowered Congress raises concerns over concentrated power and further gridlock. Right-wing candidates dominate early preferences amid demands for security and accountability.