The Democracy in Peru (1980-2010): A report of cycles, opportunities and challenges

Abstract

After the end of Fujimori era, Peru starts a new process of democratization. After a decade of effort, the assessment can be established that this process is ambiguous on the basis of significant progress but also the persistence of obstacles that have not been overcome. Among the first that should be mentioned: the government stability increased after the takeover of Alan Garcia from Alejandro Toledo; sustained and exceptional economic growth and progressive reduction of poverty rates by almost ten points. However, the potential of these strengths have been counteracted by the effect that it has generated in persistent weaknesses such as the lack of assessment of democracy by the citizens, the exponential increase of unrest and the persistence of high levels of inequality in far too many areas of the country. This document intends to not only analyze what the current situation of the country in regards to the processes outlined and the main dynamics that explain it, but also to analyze the future prospects for the presidential elections scheduled for 2011 and it could suppose: the continuity of a process that, despite the difficulties it should be fairly valued, or a new turning point in the cyclical political history of Peru.