Protecting elections during the 2021 Peruvian general elections

Abstract

This case study provides a comprehensive analysis of electoral protection mechanisms implemented during Peru's 2021 general elections. Peru's electoral management bodies (EMBs) demonstrated remarkable resilience while navigating unprecedented challenges: systematic disinformation campaigns (alleging electoral fraud), severe Covid-19 pandemic impacts and deep political polarization. Key findings reveal that Peru's primary electoral challenges stem from external threats in the strategic environment - the pandemic, disinformation, delegitimization, violence in campaigns, gender-based violence (GBV), polarization - rather than internal organizational deficiencies. Despite these challenges, Peru's EMBs successfully maintained electoral integrity through innovative measures including initiatives to detect fake news, enhanced transparency protocols and adaptive crisis management strategies. Looking towards general elections in 2026, this analysis provides critical insights on risk management strategies essential for (a) preventing and mitigating external risks and threats, including sensitization strategies and legal frameworks against GBV; while (b) preserving institutional legitimacy and restoring public trust in democratic processes as a whole.