Peruvians headed to the polls on Sunday to elect a new president and Congress in a deeply fragmented race shaped by years of political turmoil and public disillusionment.
Around 27 million eligible voters cast ballots across the country, with polling stations opening at 7 a.m. and closing at 5 p.m., as authorities prepared to release preliminary results later in the day.
The election marks the latest chapter in a prolonged period of instability that has seen eight presidents take office since 2018, largely due to impeachments, corruption scandals and weak governing coalitions.
With more than 30 candidates competing and none approaching the 50 percent threshold required for an outright victory, a runoff scheduled for June 7 appears increasingly likely.
Early voting was disrupted in parts of Lima, where some polling stations opened late, prompting frustration among voters waiting in long lines.
“I have to work and I can't vote,” said Margarita Sandoval.
“These elections are a disaster.”
The crowded field spans the ideological spectrum, reflecting a broader crisis of confidence in political institutions and traditional leadership.
Among the most prominent candidates is conservative Keiko Fujimori, making her fourth presidential bid after reaching the runoff in three previous elections.
She has positioned herself as a guarantor of order and economic stability, though her candidacy remains polarizing due to her family legacy.
Ricardo Belmont, a former mayor of Lima, has surged into second place, while comedian Carlos Alvarez has gained traction with a tough-on-crime platform.
Other contenders include business figures and political outsiders who have capitalized on anti-establishment sentiment.
Public frustration has been a defining feature of the election, with many voters expressing skepticism about the ability of any candidate to deliver meaningful change.
“Peru is a mess, and there’s no candidate worth voting for,” said Gloria Padilla.
Rising crime has emerged as a central issue, with homicide rates more than doubling over the past decade and candidates proposing expanded roles for the armed forces in domestic security.
Analysts warn that whoever wins will face a fragmented Congress and renewed institutional tensions, raising the risk of continued political volatility.
The outcome may also carry broader implications as Peru navigates competing international interests while seeking stability at home.