Peru Sets Debate Schedule for 2026 Presidential Election
Peru’s National Jury of Elections (JNE) has finalized the schedule for a series of presidential debates ahead of the general election on April 12, 2026. The debates will take place between March 23rd and April 1st, involving all 36 candidates vying for the presidency.
According to a statement released on February 14, 2026, the JNE has divided the candidates into six groups of twelve, each participating in a single debate session. The schedule was determined in coordination with representatives from the various political organizations.
The debate dates are as follows: March 23rd, 24th, and 25th, followed by March 30th, 31st, and April 1st. Each debate will be broadcast live to the public, providing voters with an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates on their proposed policies.
The JNE will hold a lottery this Friday, February 20th, to determine the specific dates for each group of candidates. This process aims to ensure fairness and transparency in the debate schedule.
A record number of candidates are competing in this election, reflecting a fragmented political landscape and widespread dissatisfaction with recent political turmoil. Peru has seen a high rate of presidential turnover in the past decade, with eight different individuals holding the office. The current president, José Jerí, was appointed in October 2025 following the removal of Dina Boluarte, who herself had assumed the presidency in December 2022 after the impeachment of Pedro Castillo.
Polls currently suggest that Rafael López Aliaga of the Popular Renewal party is a frontrunner in the race. Keiko Fujimori, representing the conservative People’s Force party, is also considered a strong contender, making her fourth attempt to win the presidency.
The debates are expected to focus on key issues facing the country, though the specific themes for each session are still being finalized. The JNE has indicated that each week will address distinct topics, allowing candidates to present their platforms in a structured manner.
The Democratic Federal Party has proposed that the presidential debates be held in different regions of Peru, aiming to broaden access and engagement beyond the capital city of Lima. This proposal seeks to ensure that the concerns of citizens across the country are adequately addressed during the electoral process.
With no candidate currently polling over 50%, a runoff election is highly likely on June 7th, 2026, between the two candidates who receive the most votes in the first round.
