Newly-appointed Dina Boluarte, a former vice-president who became Peru’s first female president Thursday, called for new general elections on April 12, 2026. Boluarte’s call for elections is more than simply welcomed in the context of ongoing political turmoil and deep unpopularity. Her tumultuous presidency since taking office in 2022 followed her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, being arrested and ousted by legislators. In her short speech from the balcony of the Government Palace, Boluarte was fervent and bolstered by the leaders of the country’s electoral institutions. She said she hoped these elections would bring a time of détente and political stability to Peru.
Boluarte has been under heavy political fire since taking office. She now faces charges of illicit enrichment and non-declaration of assets. She is, of course, not guilty as charged. She argues that those possessions, including at least 14 Swiss-made luxury watches, are the fruits of her labor. Boluarte continues to proclaim her innocence in the face of these prosecutors’ investigations into these allegations.
“We hope for the good of Peru that the 2026 elections will not only allow our citizens to exercise their right to vote but also put an end to the period of instability that has led Peru to have six presidents in recent years,” stated President Boluarte.
The government of Boluarte has been condemned by two international human rights organizations for committing crimes against humanity. These criminal charges extend to the killings of 49 civilians during Peru’s protest movement throughout the end of 2022 until present day in early 2023. Boluart has repeatedly denied personal responsibility for such tragic events. As people turn out to demonstrate peacefully, she noted, the government continues to protect their right to defend Peruvians’ right to peace and calm—playing offense, not defense.
Peru has been mired in political crisis for the last few years, with six different presidents taking office in quick succession. Boluarte’s call for early elections is a sign of movement towards ameliorating these long-standing wounds. The National Elections Board had originally suggested a much tighter timeline, demanding that she announce the elections by this coming month.
