Peru - Political and electoral system

Political and administrative structure

"Unitary, representative and decentralized government, organized according to the principle of separation of powers." (Art. 43, Chap. I - Of the State and its Territory. Constitution of Peru, 1993). Provincial and district municipalities are organs of local government. They are endowed with political, economic and administrative autonomy in matters under their jurisdiction (Constitution, Art. 194).

National parliament

El Poder Legislativo reside en el Congreso de la República, el cual consta de cámara única. El número de congresistas es de ciento treinta (130).

Municipal government

In terms of organic structure, local government is comprised of a normative and oversight body (the municipal council) and an executive organ (the office of the mayor). Art. 194, Constitution.

Duration of terms

Mayors and councilpersons are elected by direct suffrage, and serve four-year terms. They may be re-elected. Their mandate is revocable and irrenounceable, according to the law.

Representation system

Mayors are elected by the highest number of votes (relative majority). In the case of councilpersons, the winning list is assigned an allocation factor, or half plus one of the seats on the municipal council.

Type of list

Closed party list.

Electoral constituency

Uninominal for mayors. Plurinominal for councilpersons in constituencies of variable size.

Quota and parity laws

The law requires that no less than 30% of municipal council candidate lists be comprised of members of each gender. No less than 20% of candidates must be young citizens under the age of 29, and at least 15% of council members must be representatives of native communities and indigenous peoples from the province, wherever such communities and peoples exist, in the estimation of the National Election Board. Art. 1, Law No. 28869/2006.

Legal instruments applicable to municipalities

Constitution of Peru, 1993 (includes amendments enacted in 2005); Organic Municipalities Law.

Electoral Justice

The electoral system is made up of the National Election Board, the National Election Office and the National Civil Identification and Status Registry. These entities are autonomous, and work with one another in accordance with their functions. (Constitution of Peru, Art. 177).