Peru: National referendum and regional elections December 9 /update 1

Event

A nationwide “anti-corruption” referendum regarding four constitutional reforms measures approved by Congress on October 4 will be held on Sunday, December 9. President Martín Vizcarra has stated that these reforms would promote “transparency, accountability, and citizen participation” to combat government corruption. The highly contentious issues presented in the referendum will likely prompt political rallies - which may result in clashes between supporters of the president and the main opposition party, Popular Force - in the lead-up to the December 9 vote. An increased security presence is likely at any election-related event.

Furthermore, a second round of local and regional elections will be held across 15 regions in Peru on the same day. The elections are being held in races where no candidate obtained 30 percent of vote in the first round, the minimum required to be elected, held October 7. The 15 regions are Lima, Piura, Arequipa, Cajamarca, Cusco, Ancash, Huánuco, Ayacucho, Apurímac, Amazonas, Tacna, Pasco, Tumbes, Madre de Dios, and San Martín.

Context

Corruption is a major issue in Peru, where corruption scandals and mass protests have over the past year led to the resignation of former President Pedro Kuczynski, the president of the Supreme Court, and the Justice Minister. Popular Force leader Keiko Fujimori is also facing corruption allegations and was briefly jailed in October.

The four measures of the referendum include reforms to the National Council of Magistrates, the regulation of political financing, limiting the immediate re-election of parliamentarians, and the establishment of bicameralism in the national Congress. Efforts to introduce anti-corruption measures by Vizcarra and political allies in the Congress were largely restructured by Popular Force. Vizcarra has voiced his disapproval of the changes but stated he will let the people decide the validity of the constitutional reforms in the referendum.

Advice

Individuals in Peru are advised to avoid all demonstrations as well as polling stations as a precaution.