Lima, Peru – José María Balcázar Zelada has been elected as the new president of Peru’s Congress, and the nation’s head of state, following a tumultuous period marked by the removal of his predecessor, José Jerí. The election, held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, saw Balcázar secure 64 votes against 46 for María del Carmen Alva of Acción Popular in the decisive second round, according to reports from the Centro de Noticias del Congreso.
The vote comes after a censure motion against Jerí on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, stemming from scandals that plagued his brief tenure. Balcázar’s victory marks the eighth change in Peru’s presidency in the last decade, highlighting a persistent pattern of political instability within the country. His term will be short-lived, concluding on July 28, 2026, when the winner of the upcoming April elections will be sworn in. He is legally barred from running in those elections.
The election process unfolded after neither candidate achieved a majority in the initial vote, necessitating the second round. Edgar Reymundo of the Bloque Democrático and Héctor Acuña of Honor y Democracia were eliminated in the first round of voting. This outcome surprised many observers, who had anticipated Alva to emerge victorious, as reported by various news outlets.
Who is José María Balcázar?
José María Balcázar Zelada, 83, brings a lengthy career in the Peruvian legal system to the presidency. He previously served as a vocal supremo of the Poder Judicial, Peru’s highest court. However, his path has not been without controversy. He has been the subject of investigations related to alleged influence peddling and was reportedly expelled from the Colegio de Abogados de Lambayeque due to alleged misappropriation of funds.
Balcázar’s political affiliations have also drawn scrutiny. He is described by Peruvian media as being closely aligned with Vladimir Cerrón, the founder of the Perú Libre party, who has been convicted of corruption and is currently a fugitive from justice. This connection positions Balcázar as a representative of the more socially conservative wing of the Peruvian left.
His past statements have also sparked debate. He has faced criticism for his views on early marriage, reportedly stating, “In the Civil Code, from 14 years upwards there is no impediment. Everyone has sexual relations. The law authorizes it. In other countries it is from 13 upwards, as long as there is no violation. Everyone has relationships. Teachers with students, teachers with pupils, among students also,” as cited by the Peruvian newspaper El Comercio.
The Fall of José Jerí
The removal of José Jerí followed a series of scandals that emerged during his four-month tenure, which began on October 10, 2025, replacing Dina Boluarte, who herself was removed by Congress amid corruption allegations. The censure motion centered around the “chifagate” scandal, involving undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessmen, one of whom is implicated in an illegal logging scheme. Further scrutiny arose from reports that women who visited Jerí at the presidential palace were subsequently hired by the state.
Jerí defended the hiring practices, asserting that claims of favoritism were “completely false and unjust” to the careers of those employed. However, these explanations failed to satisfy the congressional body, leading to the vote of no confidence.
What Lies Ahead for Peru?
Balcázar’s immediate challenge will be to maintain institutional stability in the lead-up to the April elections and address the growing concerns surrounding crime rates in Peru. His election has already drawn criticism from those who view it as a continuation of the political maneuvering that has fueled public dissatisfaction, as indicated by recent polling data. The upcoming elections, scheduled for April 12, 2026, will see Peruvians choose both a new president and a new Congress. However, early polls suggest a lack of enthusiasm for the current field of 36 presidential candidates. A recent Ipsos poll, conducted on February 13, 2026, showed conservative candidate Rafael López Aliaga leading with only 12% of the vote.
Given the low popularity of candidates and the fragmented electorate, a decisive outcome in the first round appears unlikely. A second round of voting is anticipated in June, but the political future of Peru remains uncertain. Balcázar’s leadership, and the choices made by Peruvian voters in the coming months, will be critical in navigating this period of political transition.
The political landscape in Peru remains fluid, and the coming months will be crucial in determining the country’s future. Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.
