The third and final session of the second phase of Peru’s presidential debate concluded with the participation of 11 candidates, marking the end of the cycle of policy presentations organized by the
The discussion began with 10 candidates present; however, minutes later, candidate Jorge Nieto joined the event upon arriving at the venue shortly after 8:00 p.m. (local time).
Nieto did not take part in the first segment, in which candidates presented their proposals on education. Instead, he joined the second block, focused on citizen questions.
At that point, he apologized for his late arrival and said it took him nearly five hours to reach the venue due to heavy traffic on the South Pan-American Highway.
As is known, the first phase of the presidential debate was held over three days.
The first took place on March 23, 24, and 25, focusing on citizen security and the fight against corruption.
The second phase was held on March 30 and 31, and April 1, featuring proposals on education and employment.
All debates were held at the Lima Convention Center, located in San Borja district, and lasted approximately three hours each.
The candidates who presented their proposals on employment, development, and entrepreneurship, as well as education, innovation, and technology on Wednesday, were:
1. Ricardo Belmont — Partido Civico Obras (Civic Works Party)
2. Rafael Belaunde — Libertad Popular (Popular Liberty)
3. Jose Luna — Podemos Peru (We Can Peru)
4. Cesar Acuña — Alianza para el Progreso (Alliance for Progress)
5. Wolfgang Grozo — Partido Politico Integridad Democratica (Democratic Integrity Political Party)
6. Rosario Fernandez — Un Camino Diferente (A Different Path)
7. Jorge Nieto — Partido del Buen Gobierno (Good Governance Party)
8. Armando Masse — Partido Democratico Federal (Federal Democratic Party)
9. Alfonso Lopez-Chau — Ahora Nacion (Now Nation)
10. Antonio Ortiz — Salvemos al Peru (Let's Save Peru)
11. Jose Williams — Avanza Pais-Partido de Integracion Social (Go On Country-Social Integration Party)
Positive assessment
National Elections Board (JNE) Chairman Roberto Burneo described the overall outcome of the 2026 presidential debate cycle as "very positive," highlighting its role in increasing public interest and strengthening voter participation ahead of the April 12 General Elections.
The electoral body's head stressed that one of the main achievements was bringing the public closer to the electoral process, amid concerns over voter apathy.
The General Elections will be held on April 12, 2026, with a potential runoff for the presidential race scheduled for June 7 of the same year.
This electoral process will allow citizens to go to the polls to elect the next President of the Republic, Vice Presidents, Senators, Deputies, and Representatives to the Andean Parliament.