A few months before April general electionthe Transparencia Civil Association reported that it has identified four risk factors for the integrity of the electoral process, which is why — it maintains — it is necessary to adopt concrete, coordinated actions aimed at strengthening the democratic system with a view to what will be the most complex elections in our republican history.
Álvaro Henzler, president of the institution, in a letter addressed to associates, volunteers and allies of Transparencia, revealed that the four risk factors identified are:
(i) candidates without suitability and with possible links and financing of illicit economies
(ii) party atomization with almost 40 parties in contention
(iii) the epidemic of disinformation and fake news and, finally,
(iv) verbal and physical violence between and against candidates, journalists and citizens.
In this context, he warned that 2026 “is a critical opportunity to change trajectory through a conscious and responsible vote, which requires determined and coordinated democratic action by the entire society.”
He specified that, in this context, the association, through its accredited national observers, has adopted a series of measures to face this electoral situation by establishing an international alliance – (which has the cooperation of Germany, Canada, the United States, Spain, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, in addition to the UN and UNDP) -; a citizen observation pact with more than 60 plural organizations; and an independent technical team with a network of volunteers in each region of the country that could total up to 6,000 observers.
“With this, we will deploy three key actions: Check Your Candidate, a digital tool for an informed vote; a comprehensive long-term national electoral observation mission and during election day; and a rigorous observation of results with quick counting and statistical analysis,” he said.
However, Henzler considered that this situation demands the participation of other actors, whom he identified and proposed a series of actions. They are:
– Political parties: He warned them of the need to behave democratically. Respect for each point of the Electoral Ethical Pact is essential because without the recognition of shared rules there is no legitimate competition.
– National, regional and local authorities: To guarantee electoral neutrality and independence. The power of the State cannot be put at the service of any candidate.
– Electoral organizations: Let them act as a single front. Defend with rigor and coordination a clean, transparent and unquestionable process, for the good of the country.
– The media, communicators and influencers: To make conscious and informed voting a national cause. Generate content that helps more Peruvians know why, for whom and how to vote.
– Investigative journalism and control institutions: Expose and sanction—legally and morally—candidates linked to illegal economies and subordinate interests.
– Entrepreneurship: Use your voice and influence to defend transparent elections. Finance parties with responsibility, transparency and democratic commitment.
– Public and private universities: Train citizens, not just professionals. Promote spaces for civic reflection and debate, especially among the millions of young people they educate.
– Organized civil society: Let us articulate efforts to defend electoral integrity. Let us confront authoritarian attitudes and we will collaborate with democratic ones.
– Each citizen: Let’s vote with conscience. Let us choose competent, upright and committed candidates for the common good, beyond party or ideological labels.
– To those of us who have a voice and influence: In our networks, spaces and communities, let us respect the electoral results. Let’s not fall for the fake news of those who don’t know how to lose. Defending the popular will, even if we don’t like the result, is the basic principle of a democracy.
Henzler added that each of these actors will have a crucial role in the electoral process. “We must recover the sense of possibility about the Peru we dream of and ensure clean elections; it is a difficult task, but indispensable,” he said.
Subscribe for free to the most prestigious Gastronomic Guide in the country. SUMMUM, the weekly newsletter. http://bit.ly/4imAPEI
RECOMMENDED VIDEO
