Peru is poised for a significant shift in its political landscape with the return of a bicameral Congress in 2026. After more than three decades of a unicameral legislature, voters will elect both senators and deputies, prompting questions about the roles and responsibilities of each chamber. This change, stemming from a constitutional reform, aims to refine the legislative process and enhance political oversight, but understanding the distinctions between these two bodies is crucial for informed participation in the upcoming elections.
Over 6.8 million young Peruvians, aged 18-29, are eligible to vote in the general elections on April 12, 2026, elections that will be defined by this return to bicameralism. The new Congress will consist of 60 senators and 130 deputies, representing a total of 190 elected representatives. This restructuring marks a return to a system that previously existed in Peru until April 5, 1992, when then-President Alberto Fujimori dissolved Congress in an autogolpe.
What are the Key Differences?
The core difference between senators and deputies lies in their legislative functions and areas of focus. According to Román Campos Aranda, an attorney with the advisory cabinet of the National Jury of Elections (JNE), the Chamber of Deputies, often referred to as the lower house, holds the power of legislative initiative – meaning they are responsible for drafting and presenting bills. RPP News details this distinction, highlighting the deputies’ broad authority in the legislative process.
Deputies likewise possess significant political control, with the ability to interpellate and censure ministers, form investigative commissions and grant a vote of confidence to a cabinet. The Senate, however, functions primarily as a chamber of review, analyzing, approving, or substantially modifying legislation originating from the Chamber of Deputies. Campos Aranda explained that senators act as a “second filter” before a law is enacted, serving as an upper house focused on careful consideration.
“The Senate [is like] a more reflective Chamber that will determine whether a measure is constitutional or not, whether it is positive or not, and then notice if it approves or does not approve it,” Campos Aranda stated. Beyond reviewing legislation, the Senate also holds the responsibility of electing key officials, including the Ombudsman, magistrates of the Constitutional Court, the Comptroller General of the Republic, three directors of the Central Reserve Bank of Peru (BCRP), and the Superintendent of Banking, Insurance and AFP.
Election and Requirements
The method of election also differentiates the two chambers. The 130 deputies will be elected from the country’s 27 electoral districts for a five-year term. The 60 senators, however, will be elected through popular vote, with 30 representing a single national district and 30 representing multiple districts corresponding to departments and regions. Gestión provides a comprehensive overview of this new electoral structure.
The requirements for candidacy also differ slightly. Candidates for the Chamber of Deputies must be over 25 years of age, even as those seeking a Senate seat must be at least 45 years old or have prior experience as a deputy or member of Congress. Campos Aranda noted that some candidates under 45 are running for the Senate due to their experience in the 2021-2026 congressional period.
Looking Ahead
The return to a bicameral Congress represents a fundamental change in Peru’s political system. The division of powers between the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate aims to create a more balanced and deliberative legislative process. As the 2026 elections approach, understanding these distinctions will be vital for voters to produce informed decisions and participate effectively in shaping the future of Peruvian governance. The implementation of this new system will undoubtedly present challenges and opportunities, and its long-term impact on the country’s political stability and development remains to be seen.
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