In the 2026 Peru General Elections, over 27 million citizens were called to the polls on Sunday, June 7, to choose between presidential candidates Keiko Fujimori of Fuerza Popular and Roberto Sánchez of Juntos por el Perú. Official results from the Oficina Nacional de Procesos Electorales (ONPE) indicate that with 99.1% of ballots processed as of June 9, 2026, Keiko Fujimori holds 51.91% of valid votes, while Roberto Sánchez reached 48.09% in Ica.
Did You Know? The 2026 presidential race followed a highly fragmented first round held on April 12, which featured 35 candidates. In that initial contest, Keiko Fujimori secured 17.192% of the valid votes, while Roberto Sánchez advanced with 12.039%, narrowly edging out Rafael López Aliaga for the second-place spot.
Election Day Logistics and Challenges
Voting stations opened at 7 a.m. and closed at 5 p.m. on June 7. Despite the mandatory nature of the suffrage, the process faced significant hurdles, including high levels of absenteeism. More than seven million eligible voters did not participate in the election. Furthermore, the ONPE, which is responsible for the organization and official vote tally, faced public questioning and allegations of irregularities throughout the electoral process.
Financial Penalties for Non-Participation
Peruvians who failed to cast their ballots are subject to fines that vary based on the socioeconomic classification of their registered district. The penalties are calculated using the 2026 Unidad Impositiva Tributaria (UIT), which is set at S/5,500. Citizens in districts classified as “not poor” face a fine of 2% of the UIT (S/110), while those in “poor” districts are fined 1% (S/55), and individuals in “extreme poverty” districts must pay 0.5% (S/27.50). Additionally, citizens who were selected as polling station members and failed to perform their duties face a penalty of 5% of the UIT, totaling S/275.
Expert Insight: The combination of extreme political fragmentation—seen in the 35-candidate field during the first round—and the reported public skepticism toward the ONPE suggests that the incoming administration may face immediate challenges in building political consensus and public trust. The high rate of absenteeism further underscores a disconnect between a significant portion of the electorate and the current political landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the total number of ballots counted in the Ica region?
According to the ONPE, there were 570,990 total votes emitted in Ica, which included 0.58% blank votes and 5.04% null votes.
How is the fine for not voting determined?
The fine is based on the socioeconomic status of the district where the voter is registered in their Documento Nacional de Identidad (DNI), calculated as a percentage of the 2026 UIT (S/5,500).
What is the penalty for members of the polling station who do not fulfill their duties?
Members of the polling station who do not comply with their functions are subject to a fine of 5% of the UIT, which equates to S/275.
Given the high levels of absenteeism and the public questioning of the electoral process, what steps might be necessary to restore confidence in the nation’s democratic institutions?
