Peru Elects Jose Maria Balcazar as Interim President, Eighth Leader in a Decade

Peruvian lawmakers have elected Jose Maria Balcazar as the country’s new interim President after former leader Jose Jeri was impeached over graft allegations. The decision was taken by Peru’s Congress in a vote broadcast live on television. As head of Congress, Balcazar automatically assumes the role of interim President.

Eighth President Since 2016

With this appointment, the 83-year-old lawyer and former judge becomes Peru’s eighth head of state since 2016, reflecting the political instability that has marked the country in recent years. He replaces Jose Jeri, who was removed from office following corruption-related accusations.

Promise of Democratic Transition

Speaking after his election, Balcazar assured citizens that his government would guarantee a peaceful and transparent democratic transition. “In these few months that remain, we will guarantee the people of Peru a peaceful and transparent democratic and electoral transition, leaving no room for doubt in the elections,” he said. His primary responsibility will be to oversee the transition process and ensure credible upcoming elections.

Political Context

Peru has witnessed frequent leadership changes over the past decade due to political crises, impeachment proceedings, and corruption allegations. The latest development highlights the ongoing governance challenges in the South American nation. The interim administration is expected to focus on stabilising political institutions and restoring public confidence ahead of elections.

MCQs: Peru Interim President 2026

Q1. Who has been elected as the interim President of Peru in February 2026?
(a) Jose Jeri
(b) Pedro Castillo
(c) Jose Maria Balcazar
(d) Martin Vizcarra
(e) Dina Boluarte

Ans: (c)
Sol: Jose Maria Balcazar was elected as Peru’s interim President.

Q2. Jose Maria Balcazar became Peru’s ______ head of state since 2016.
(a) Fifth
(b) Sixth
(c) Seventh
(d) Eighth
(e) Ninth

Ans: (d)
Sol: He became the eighth President of Peru since 2016.

Q3. The former interim President Jose Jeri was removed from office due to:
(a) Health reasons
(b) Election defeat
(c) Graft allegations
(d) Military coup
(e) Economic crisis

Ans: (c)
Sol: Jose Jeri was impeached over corruption (graft) allegations.

Q4. Jose Maria Balcazar previously served as:
(a) Army General
(b) Economist
(c) Lawyer and former judge
(d) Business leader
(e) Diplomat

Ans: (c)
Sol: Balcazar is an 83-year-old lawyer and former judge.

Q5. The capital city of Peru, where Congress elected the new President, is:
(a) Santiago
(b) Buenos Aires
(c) Quito
(d) Lima
(e) Bogota

Ans: (d)
Sol: The vote took place in Lima, the capital of Peru.