Under the constitution, which has been in place since 1993, Peru is a presidential representative democratic republic with a multi-party system. The President is elected for five years as the head of government as well as the head of state, and cannot be immediately re-elected. He or she appoints the Prime Minister, with whose advice he or she designates further cabinet members. There is a unicameral Congress with 120 members elected for a five-year term. Bills may be proposed by either the executive or the legislative branch; they become law after being passed by Congress and promulgated by the President. The judiciary is nominally independent, though political intervention into judicial matters has been common throughout history and arguably continues today.[1]
The Republic of Peru is in a state of ongoing democratization. Led by President Alan García, the executive branch is attempting to be transparent and accountable. Previously a rubberstamp body, Peru‘s unicameral Congress is emerging as a strong counterbalance to the once-dominant executive branch, with increased oversight and investigative powers. The executive branch and Congress are attempting to reform the judicial branch, antiquated and rife with corruption.[2]
The current president, Alan Garcia of the centre-left Partido Aprista Peruano (Apra), took office in July 2006 for a five-year term. He handled the destructive earthquake in southern Peru, earlier this year, well and has enjoyed popularity since. President Garcia has gained the support of the country’s business sector and will continue to implement the investor-friendly policies of the last decade. Challenges that he faces include dealing with governability issues which arose from high expectations of improved social conditions, as well as his ruling party’s minority position in parliament. A growth of fiscal revenue will give him room to implement social policies, but will also raise expectations.[3]
[1] Jeffrey Clark, Building on quicksand, www.humanrightsfirst.org
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Peru
[3] www.economist.com/countries/peru
Results from Peruvian Parliamentary Elections, April 9th, 2006
| Party | % | Seats |
| Union for Peru | 21,2 | 45 |
| Peruvian Aprista Party | 20,6 | 36 |
| National Unity | 15,3 | 17 |
| Alliance for the Future | 13,1 | 13 |
| Center Front | 7,1 | 5 |
| Possible Peru | 4,1 | 2 |
| National Restoration | 4,0 | 2 |
| National Justice Party | 1,4 | 0 |
Facts and Figures:
| Population | 28,674,757 (July 2007 est.) |
| Ethnic groups
|
Amerindian 45%, mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 37%, white 15%, black, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3% |
| Religions
|
Roman Catholic 81%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.4%, other Christian 0.7%, other 0.6%, unspecified or none 16.3% (2003 est.) |
| Capital | Lima |
| Languages | Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara, and a large number of minor Amazonian languages |
| GDP (PPP) | $186.6 billion (2006 est.) |
| GDP per capita (PPP) | $6,600 (2006 est.) |
| Exports
|
copper, gold, zinc, crude petroleum and petroleum products, coffee, potatoes, asparagus, textiles, guinea pigs |
| Imports
|
petroleum and petroleum products, plastics, machinery, vehicles, iron and steel, wheat, paper |
| Unemployment
|
7.2% in metropolitan Lima; widespread underemployment (2006 est.) |
| Population below poverty line | 54% (2003 est.) |
Source: CIA World Factbook
