Parity and alternation in subnational elections: Challenges to women’s political participation in Peru

Abstract

The electoral reform of parity and alternation, applied in Peru for the first time at the subnational level in the regional and municipal elections of 2022, generates spaces for political participation for women and also for other historically excluded groups such as youth and Indigenous people. This article examines this issue. From an intersectional approach, the inclusion of these groups is analyzed in the lists of candidates and among those who are elected. In addition, the main obstacles encountered by female candidates during the electoral campaign are presented, including political financing and media coverage. The methodology is based on the analysis of databases belonging to electoral entities, with an emphasis placed on the proportions of women, young women, and Indigenous women who registered as candidates; those who accessed representation; and the obstacles they faced in their races. Using a comparative approach, the before and after indicators are contrasted with respect to the previous electoral process to identify the effects of the regulations. It is concluded that there is indeed a positive change in the inclusion of women – considering their intersectional characteristics, specifically at the level of elected authorities in regional and municipal councils. Likewise, it is evident that the difficulties of participation are transversal to the candidacies, although with greater gaps for women.

Keywords

• electoral campaigns
• subnational elections
• intersectionality
• women
• political participation
• electoral reforms