Peru’s 2026 Ballot: Record Size & Cost Reflect Complex Election Landscape

The Largest Ballot in Peruvian History: Costs Soar for the 2026 Elections

The upcoming elections in Peru are set to be marked by a significantly increased cost for ballot design and printing, reaching S/12’241.354,60 – more than triple the amount spent in the three previous general elections, according to information released by the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE) in response to a transparency request. This surge in expense is directly linked to the unprecedented size and complexity of the ballot itself, a consequence of recent changes to the electoral process and a record number of presidential candidates.

The increased cost is particularly striking when compared to previous elections. Spending on ballot design and printing in the three prior electoral processes did not even reach S/4 million. Although the S/12’241.354,60 figure accounts for both the first and potential second rounds, even considering only the first round, the cost is more than five times higher than in 2021 – S/9’960.794,80 compared to S/1’828.590.76.

A Ballot Unlike Any Other

ONPE attributes the cost increase to “a critical change in the ballot’s architecture and the operational complexity of the process.” The current ballot measures 44 cm long and 42 cm high, exceeding the size of a gaming laptop and even a coffee table book. This unprecedented size is a direct result of several factors, including changes to the Senate election process and the sheer number of presidential candidates.

The increase in personnel costs for technical staff involved in ballot creation was more moderate, rising from S/157.500 in 2021 to S/220.000 this year. ONPE explained this reflects updated market salary scales after 20 years and the need for a more highly skilled team to manage the design, layout, and data verification for the complex ballot.

Historical Context: From Four to Five Columns

This isn’t the first time Peru has faced a large ballot. In 1990, Jurado Nacional de Elecciones (JNE) presented a ballot described by El Comercio as “the largest electoral ballot in history.” That ballot, measuring 43 cm high by 35 cm wide, accommodated nine presidential candidates and 28 lists for the Chamber of Deputies, organized into three columns.

However, the 2026 ballot is even more expansive, featuring five columns: one for the presidential formula, two for the Senate, one for the Chamber of Deputies, and one for the Andean Parliament. This expansion is a direct consequence of legislative changes.

Specifically, Law 32245, enacted in January 2023, altered the Senate election process, dividing seats between multi-member districts and a single national district. This change necessitated an additional column on the ballot. The elimination of mandatory open primaries (PASO) in 2024, through Law 28094, removed a potential filtering mechanism that could have reduced the number of participating parties.

A Record Number of Candidates

The 2026 elections will feature a record number of presidential candidates – 36 – surpassing any previous election in Peruvian history and exceeding the number seen in other South American nations. This proliferation of candidates contributes significantly to the ballot’s size and complexity.

Researchers at the Institute of Peruvian Studies (IEP) have noted that this surge in candidates doesn’t necessarily represent increased representation, but rather a rise in “personalistic projects” – individuals creating their own organizations to pursue power.

The sheer number of options is also impacting voter behavior. A recent Datum poll for El Comercio revealed that 24.1% of citizens intend to submit a blank or spoiled ballot, while 16.3% remain undecided.

As Piero Corvetto, head of ONPE, announced, the printing of the 27’956.556 ballots will begin on March 11th. The logistical challenges of managing such a large and complex ballot are considerable, and the ONPE has initiated a voter education campaign to ensure citizens can navigate the process effectively.