More than 24.28% of the 27,325,432 Peruvians eligible to vote in the presidential runoff on Sunday, June 7, did not cast a ballot. According to the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE), 6,636,280 citizens failed to participate, marking the highest rate of absenteeism in a presidential runoff in the last 20 years, excluding the 2021 pandemic-era election.
Did You Know? The 2021 presidential runoff currently holds the record for the highest electoral absenteeism in the country’s history, with a 25.4% non-attendance rate recorded during the health emergency.
Regional participation trends
Participation levels varied significantly across the country. According to ONPE data, Loreto recorded the lowest turnout nationwide at 47.318%, followed by Amazonas at 56.597%. Conversely, Ica reported the highest civic engagement with 79.971% participation, followed closely by Tacna at 79.785% and Arequipa at 79.331%.
In Lima Metropolitan, the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro saw participation rates of 70.188% and 71.690%, respectively. Other districts including Santiago de Surco, Barranco, and San Borja also remained above the 70% participation threshold.
Expert analysis on voter apathy
Electoral specialists have expressed concern over the high volume of non-voters in a system where suffrage is mandatory for citizens aged 18 to 70. Alejandro Rospigliosi characterized the absenteeism as a display of “apathy, indifference and irresponsibility,” suggesting that the ONPE should evaluate potential barriers such as distance to polling stations and the feasibility of implementing digital voting.
Enzo Elguera noted that for some voters, paying a fine—which can reach up to S/110 depending on the socioeconomic classification of the district—is preferable to participating in the democratic process. Meanwhile, Fernando Rodríguez Patrón argued that the 23% absence rate reflects a deeper crisis of institutional confidence and territorial inequality rather than simple disinterest in politics.
Factors influencing future elections
The high rate of absenteeism could lead to renewed pressure on electoral bodies to improve logistical accessibility and address the perceived “descrédito” of institutions mentioned by Rodríguez Patrón. Because the 2021 election saw a similarly high level of non-participation that proved decisive in a tight contest, analysts expect that future electoral cycles may prioritize reforms to boost turnout.
Electoral authorities may face continued scrutiny regarding their organizational efficiency, following the transition in leadership from Piero Corvetto to Bernardo Pachas. Any future efforts to integrate the electorate more effectively will likely hinge on whether these institutions can restore public trust and address the geographic and socioeconomic disparities highlighted by the latest turnout figures.
Expert Insight: The persistence of high absenteeism in a mandatory voting system suggests that the threat of fines is no longer a sufficient deterrent for a significant portion of the electorate. This trend points to a widening gap between the citizenry and the political process, which risks undermining the legitimacy of election results if it continues to escalate in future cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for not voting in Peru?
Suffrage is mandatory for citizens between 18 and 70 years old. Failure to vote results in a fine that varies by the socioeconomic classification of the district of the voter’s DNI, reaching up to 2% of a UIT (S/110).
How does this year’s absenteeism compare to previous elections?
Before the 2021 pandemic, absenteeism in runoffs remained below 20%. In 2016 it was 19.9%, in 2011 it was 17.5%, and in 2006 it was 12.3%. The 2021 rate of 25.4% remains the highest in recent history.
Which regions had the lowest participation in the June 7 runoff?
Loreto had the lowest participation at 47.318%, followed by Amazonas (56.597%) and Ucayali (60.069%).
Does the high number of non-voters suggest a permanent shift in how citizens engage with the national democratic process?