Perceptions of University Students about Politics and Political Parties in Perú

Abstract

Over the past three decades, Perú has become one of the most politically volatile democracies in Latin America. Since 2016 alone, the country has experienced repeated presidential removals, impeachment attempts, executive- legislative confrontation, and short-lived administrations. Nearly every recent president has faced corruption allegations, resignations, or institutional crises. Yet, despite regular elections and formal democratic procedures, Peru’s party system remains fragmented, weakly institutionalized and characterized by low levels of public trust. This persistent instability raises an important question: Why has democratic competition in Perú failed to produce strong, institutionalized political parties capable of generating credible and stable electoral options? and, How does growing up in this environment shape the political perceptions of younger generations?