Historic increase in party affiliation requests for the 2026 elections.

The National Jury of Elections (JNE) has recorded a significant increase in requests for affiliation to political parties in the lead-up to the general elections of 2026. Between January 1 and July 12, 2024, the JNE received a total of 96,970 requests, a figure that reflects a growing interest among citizens to participate in the political arena of the country. This phenomenon could indicate that Peruvians are seeking greater representation and alternatives in light of the current political situation. The accumulation of requests has occurred across 160 registries, which have been submitted by various political organizations seeking to formalize their registration. This process is not merely a formality; it is an essential part of participating in the primary elections where candidates for the presidency, vice presidency, and Congress of the Republic will be determined. Between January and July, the flow of affiliations varied considerably, starting with modest numbers in the early months but culminating in a flood of requests in July, with over 56,000 affiliates in the last recorded month. The figures indicate that a significant number of citizens are indeed willing to support new political actors, which could translate into a more diverse and competitive electoral landscape. However, this enthusiasm also brings important responsibilities for both the parties and the JNE, which must ensure the transparency and legality of the processes. The JNE has made an additional effort to facilitate the reception of these requests by extending hours and enabling additional days for the submission of registries. This action has allowed more potential candidates to access the opportunities for candidacy. Despite this, voter confidence in the transparency of electoral bodies remains low, with surveys indicating that 63% of the population does not trust that these mechanisms operate fairly and impartially. The process of verifying signatures is a crucial step in the validation of the parties, carried out through a strict protocol that includes reviewing the affiliation forms and verifying data with the National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (Reniec). Only those parties that manage to meet these requirements will be able to participate in the primaries, underscoring the importance of this affiliation process. As the elections approach, the question of who the new political actors that may emerge is becoming increasingly pertinent. It is estimated that around 60 political parties could be in a position to participate in the upcoming elections, which could open a spectrum of options for voters. However, it is essential that these new parties manage to establish clear and coherent proposals that resonate with the demands of a citizenry that has shown growing disillusionment with the political establishment. The inclusion of new parties in the electoral contest could also pose a challenge for traditional formations, which would be forced to reevaluate their strategies to garner voter support. The fragmentation of the vote could become a central issue in the political discussion leading up to the elections, with the possibility of alliances or coalitions forming between parties seeking to consolidate their electoral strength. The 2026 elections are seen as an opportunity to redefine the political direction of the country, and the active participation of new parties could be a catalyst for significant change. However, there is still a long way to go for these parties to establish themselves and demonstrate their management and leadership capabilities. In conclusion, the significant number of requests for affiliation to political parties reveals a transforming electoral landscape and a citizenry that yearns for broader and more effective representation. As the process advances, it will be essential to observe how dynamics unfold between new political actors and traditional parties, as well as how the JNE and other electoral bodies address the challenge of ensuring transparent and fair elections. The 2026 elections promise to be a significant chapter in the political history of Peru.