Peru Elections 2026: Presidential Candidates to Receive Bulletproof Vests Amid Rising Political Violence & Attacks

Peru's Presidential Candidates to Receive Bulletproof Vests Amid Surging Political Violence

Peru is bracing for its 2026 general elections, but the democratic process is already overshadowed by a significant escalation in political violence. In a startling response, the nation's electoral authority, the National Jury of Elections (JNE), has announced it will furnish bulletproof vests to all presidential candidates to ensure their safety.

Escalating Threats Prompt Unprecedented Security Measures

Roberto Burneo, president of the JNE, expressed grave concerns on Tuesday, predicting that the 2026 campaign could be even more violent than the 2021 elections, which documented around 50 violent incidents. "Our paramount objective is to prevent risks and identify potential threats," Burneo declared, emphasizing that "no measure should be deemed too extreme, even if it entails the deployment of bulletproof vests." He also confirmed that electoral staff would receive similar protective equipment, although the provision for candidates vying for lower offices remains undecided.

Recent Attacks Underscore Volatile Climate

The decision comes on the heels of several alarming incidents. Just this Tuesday, Rafael Belaunde, a potential presidential candidate representing the Libertad Popular party, reported that shots were fired at his vehicle in Lima, to which he responded with gunfire. While Belaunde later suggested the attack was a case of common street crime rather than political targeting, the event starkly highlighted the volatile security environment. Following this, Burneo promptly requested the government to expedite electoral security protocols.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, Percy Ipanaque, a legislative candidate for the leftist Juntos por el Peru party, was tragically gunned down last Friday in northern Peru by suspected hitmen. These incidents paint a grim picture of violence intruding upon the country’s political sphere.

A Tumultuous Political Landscape

Peruvian citizens are slated to elect their president, two vice presidents, and 190 lawmakers on April 12. With an estimated 39 parties or political coalitions expected to register candidates by December 23—a substantial increase from 18 in 2021—the electoral race is set to be highly competitive. An Ipsos Peru poll conducted on Sunday indicated that no current presidential hopeful commands more than 10% support, strongly suggesting a runoff election will be held on June 7.

Peru has long grappled with political instability, experiencing seven different presidents within the last seven years, many of whom have subsequently faced imprisonment. The current head of state, President Jose Jeri, who succeeded the highly unpopular Dina Boluarte in October, swiftly implemented a state of emergency upon taking office. This decisive action was a direct response to widespread public anxiety over rising insecurity, a concern consistently cited by voters as their most pressing issue. The necessity of providing bulletproof vests to presidential candidates serves as a stark and sobering reminder of the profound challenges confronting Peruvian democracy.