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Peru: The biggest political stories of 2021

Photo: ANDINA/Presidency of the Republic of Peru

10:06 | Lima, Jan. 1.

2021 was a special year of many important events, such as the inauguration of Peruvian President Pedro Castillo after a highly polarized election, and the massive vaccination process, which is still ongoing and yields positive results.

January 7

The Executive Branch declared 2021 the "Year of the Bicentennial of Peru: 200 years of Independence" in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Independence of Peru.

February 16

The National Election Board (JNE) confirmed that 18 presidential tickets were registered for Peru's general elections scheduled for April 11, 2021.

March 29-31

Three presidential debates were held on March 29, 30, and 31, with the participation of six candidates per day. The order was determined by a draw conducted by the National Election Board (JNE).

April 11

A total of 25,287,954 Peruvian citizens —in the country and abroad— were eligible to participate in the general elections to elect one President of the Republic, two Vice-Presidents, 130 Congress members, and 5 Andean Parliamentarians. 18 presidential candidates ran for the highest office.

April 16

Pedro Castillo and Keiko Fujimori entered the second round of the presidential election, according to the ballots (100%) processed by the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE), following the April 11 general elections.

April 28

The OAS Electoral Observation Mission highlighted, in its preliminary report, the work carried out by Peru's electoral authorities during the April 11 electoral process, which took place in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 1 and 30

Presidential candidates Pedro Castillo (Peru Libre) and Keiko Fujimori (Fuerza Popular) presented their proposals at Chota's Main Square (Cajamarca region), in the northern highlands of the country on May 1. Days later, on May 30, they participated in another debate —organized by the National Election Board (JNE)— in Peru's southern city of Arequipa.

May 24

The Ministry of Defense reported the murder of 14 people in the Valley of Apurimac, Ene and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM) area. The massacre took place on the banks of Chimpinchariato stream, near San Miguel del Ene population center.

June 6

Under the protocols established due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the process to elect the new President and two Vice-Presidents for the 2021-2026 term took place nationwide and overseas, as part of the runoff election.

June 24

The National Election Board (JNE) suspended magistrate Luis Arce, who had resigned from the plenary session of the JNE a day earlier. He was suspended to facilitate the convocation of the corresponding representative of the Public Ministry, and in this way allow the JNE to comply with constitutional requirements and with the electoral calendar.

June 28

Fuerza Popular presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori delivered a letter to then President Francisco Sagasti asking him to seek an international audit of the runoff election held on June 6.

July 19

The National Election Board (JNE) proclaimed Pedro Castillo Terrones as President-elect of the Republic of Peru for the 2021-2026 period.

July 21

The then-Head of State Francisco Sagasti welcomed President-elect Pedro Castillo to the Government Palace in Lima to discuss the transfer process and issues of national interest.

July 23

Pedro Castillo Terrones received from the National Election Board (JNE) the credential accrediting him as President of the Republic for the 2021-2026 term.

July 26

July 28

The then President of the Republic Francisco Sagasti attended the Solemn Mass and Te Deum, as well as various formal activities held on the occasion of Peru's 200th Independence Day celebrations, which marked the end of the Transition and Emergency Government period.

Jose Pedro Castillo Terrones was officially named President of the Republic of Peru for the 2021-2026 term.

July 29

The President of the Republic Pedro Castillo administered the oath of office to Guido Bellido, who became Prime Minister of Peru. Afterwards, on the same day, Mr. Castillo administered the oath of office to the Cabinet led by Bellido.

August 6 and 28

The President of the Republic Pedro Castillo received his first dose of China's Sinopharm vaccine against COVID-19 on August 6. He received the second dose on August 28.

August 24

The Peruvian Government officially approved the payment of an individual, exceptional, and one-time subsidy —through the Yanapay (Help) Peru initiative— aimed at households in a situation of poverty and extreme poverty.

August 27

After an extended session that had started a day earlier, most Congress members granted their confidence to Prime Minister Guido Bellido's Cabinet. The Cabinet received 73 votes in favor, 50 against, and zero abstentions.

September 11

Shining Path terrorist organization ringleader Abimael Guzman Reinoso died on September 11. His body was cremated, as stipulated by the Public Ministry a few days later.

September 17

The President of the Republic Pedro Castillo began a trip to Mexico and the United States, where he participated in the VI Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the 76th General Assembly of the United Nations, as well as in meetings with multilateral organizations and North American investors.

October 3

The President of the Republic Pedro Castillo led the launch of the "Second Agrarian Reform" in Cusco region. It will promote connectivity and technology among farmers.

October 6

Mirtha Esther Vasquez Chuquilin was sworn in as new Prime Minister of Peru to replace Guido Bellido in the post.

October 16

The President of the Republic Pedro Castillo defined the Government's General Policy for the 2021-2026 period —through Supreme Decree No. 164-2021-PCM— which establishes the 10 key pillars of his administration, including short, medium, and long-term projections for Peru in its bicentennial year.

November 4

Most Congress members granted a confidence vote to Prime Minister Mirtha Vasquez's Cabinet. The Cabinet received 68 votes in favor, 56 against, and 1 abstention.

November 25

A motion to start impeachment proceedings against the President of the Republic Pedro Castillo was presented in Congress. The motion was signed by 28 legislators from the following political groups: Avanza Pais, Fuerza Popular, and Renovacion Popular.

December 7

During a plenary session, most Parliament members voted against a motion to start impeachment proceedings against the President of the Republic Pedro Castillo. 76 legislators voted against the motion, whereas 46 voted in favor, and 4 abstained. It was shelved as it needed 52 votes to start impeachment proceedings.

December 21

The President of the Republic Pedro Castillo requested the lifting of his bank, tax, and telephone secrecy, as a symbol of his willingness to collaborate with justice and as a symbol of transparency.

December 31

The President of the Republic Pedro Castillo received a booster dose of the vaccine against COVID-19. Within this framework, Mr. Castillo affirmed that some 21 million citizens have already received two doses, adding that they represent 80% of the inoculated population and the goal reached by the Government in defense of health.

(END) JCC/CVC/RMB/MVB

Published: 1/1/2022

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