LIMA, Peru — Congressional representatives in Peru are preparing to select the nation’s eighth president in ten years on Wednesday, following the recent removal of José Jerí from office. Four legislative candidates, mostly unfamiliar to the general public, are competing for the position.
The winner of Wednesday’s vote will govern Peru until July 28, at which point they will hand over authority to whoever wins the general election set for April.
This constant turnover in Peru’s highest office demonstrates the ongoing political turmoil caused by presidents lacking strong legislative support. Congressional members have repeatedly relied on expansive readings of a constitutional provision concerning “permanent moral incapacity” to dismiss sitting leaders.
On Tuesday, legislative members voted to dismiss Jerí following a four-month tenure. His removal came after information surfaced about secret meetings he held with Chinese business leaders, including someone with government contracts. Jerí maintained he was simply organizing a Peruvian-Chinese cultural celebration.
Prosecutors have opened two preliminary inquiries into Jerí concerning accusations of unlawfully promoting private business interests and using his influence inappropriately against state interests.
Legislative officials announced Tuesday that four individuals had formally entered Wednesday evening’s selection process. Support levels for each remain uncertain.
The leading contender appears to be María del Carmen Alva, a 58-year-old attorney put forward by the conservative Popular Action party. Alva, who formerly held the congressional speaker position, belongs to a family with substantial investments in agricultural exports, particularly companies shipping asparagus to global markets including the United States.
Also running is Héctor Acuña, a 68-year-old engineer from the conservative Honor and Democracy faction. While he brings extensive private sector background, many consider him less experienced in traditional politics compared to other contenders. He is the sibling of César Acuña, a wealthy former regional leader and presidential hopeful for the April 12 election under the Alliance for Progress party. This party previously backed former presidents Dina Boluarte and Jerí.
The remaining contenders include José Balcázar, an 83-year-old retired judge from the leftist Perú Libre party, and Edgard Reymundo, a 73-year-old sociologist representing the leftist Bloque Democrático.
Whoever replaces Jerí will face escalating violence and extortion threatening small business operators and working families. Along with security challenges, various political factions are pushing for strong assurances of fair elections that will also choose a two-chamber legislature with 130 parliamentary representatives and 60 senators.
