Peru: when society changes before politics

Peru’s recent presidential election, in which Keiko Fujimori narrowly won with less than three-tenths of a percentage point over her closest rival, has once again highlighted the deep political fragmentation that has characterized the country for more than a decade. Yet, this outcome may reflect not just ongoing economic and social challenges, but a deeper mismatch between a rapidly evolving society and a political system struggling to keep pace. This divergence raises urgent questions about how democratic institutions can respond to societal transformation. The 2026 election underscored Peru's enduring divisions. While Fujimori secured enough votes to claim victory, the razor-thin margin left many questioning whether the result truly reflected broad public support or merely reinforced existing fractures. The campaign was marked by intense polarization, with voters increasingly turning to candidates who promise stability amid growing uncertainty. Political analysts have noted that the electorate seems to be seeking reassurance rather than radical change, suggesting a desire for continuity even in the face of profound societal shifts. Over the past three decades, Peru has undergone remarkable social progress. Poverty rates have steadily declined, life expectancy has risen, child mortality has fallen, and chronic malnutrition has been significantly reduced. Literacy rates exceed 94%, and higher education has expanded access for historically marginalized groups. Even biological indicators such as average height, often considered a reliable measure of long-term health and nutrition, show consistent improvement across generations. These developments suggest a nation in motion, one that has made substantial strides in improving living conditions for its citizens. Yet, despite these gains, the political system has struggled to match the pace of social change. Since 2016, Peru has witnessed repeated crises, including the removal of presidents through impeachment or resignation, frequent clashes between the executive and legislative branches, and persistent corruption scandals. Institutional trust has eroded, with surveys showing declining confidence in government effectiveness and transparency. This disconnect between societal advancement and political performance has created a sense of instability that continues to shape public discourse and electoral outcomes. Historically, Peru’s main challenge was integrating its vast and fragmented territory. For much of the 20th century, Lima dominated political, administrative, and economic power, while rural areas remained largely disconnected from national networks. However, starting in the latter half of the century, massive rural-to-urban migration began reshaping the country’s demographic and geographic landscape. Millions moved to cities, gaining better access to education, entering more diverse labor markets, and building economic and family ties that spanned previously isolated regions. Economic growth accelerated these changes, but they were driven by broader structural transformations. This shift altered the very fabric of Peruvian society. Cities expanded, interactions increased, and new patterns of mobility and opportunity emerged. Traditional hierarchies gave way to more fluid social structures, and new forms of participation and representation became necessary. Yet, the political system has lagged behind, failing to create mechanisms that reflect the changing realities of everyday life. As a result, governance has often felt disconnected from the lived experiences of the majority of citizens. The implications of this gap are far-reaching. If society continues to evolve faster than the political framework designed to represent it, the risk of further institutional breakdown increases. Public dissatisfaction could deepen, leading to greater volatility in elections and policy-making. At the same time, there is potential for renewal, if political leaders recognize the need to adapt their strategies to align with societal expectations. The challenge lies in finding ways to build inclusive, responsive institutions capable of sustaining the momentum of progress that has already been achieved.