In the high-altitude reaches of the Peruvian Andes, a profound sense of disillusionment is taking root. For many villagers in the cordillera, the legislative and presidential elections held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, have not brought a sense of renewal, but rather a reinforced feeling of abandonment.
These voters, who once saw a path toward systemic change, now find themselves grappling with the same persistent challenges that have defined their existence for generations: deep-seated poverty, stark social inequalities, and a critical lack of basic public services. The sentiment of abandonment among Andean villagers reflects a widening chasm between the political machinery of Lima and the rural realities of the highlands.
The current atmosphere of neglect is inextricably linked to the political trajectory of the region. In 2021, these communities voted overwhelmingly for the left-wing candidate Pedro Castillo, a former elementary school teacher and union leader who promised to represent the marginalized sectors of Peru.
Yet, the hope sparked by that election was short-lived. Castillo, who served as president from July 28, 2021, was removed from office on December 7, 2022, following a self-coup attempt. His tenure, marked by political instability and a series of crises, left a vacuum of leadership and a legacy of unfulfilled promises for the rural poor.
The Legacy of the 2021 Election and the Fall of Castillo
To understand the current frustration in the Andes, one must look back at the 2021 general election. Pedro Castillo’s victory was seen as a mandate from the “forgotten” Peru—the indigenous and rural populations of the highlands who felt invisible to the urban elite.
Castillo’s rise was a symptom of the deep regional divides in Peru. As a representative of the rural working class, he tapped into a reservoir of resentment over the lack of healthcare, education, and infrastructure in the Andes. His presidency was intended to be a bridge between the state and the periphery.
The collapse of his administration in December 2022 did more than just change the presidency; it shattered the political aspirations of millions. The transition to the administration of Dina Boluarte did not resolve the underlying socio-economic grievances. Instead, the period following Castillo’s removal was marked by significant social conflict and protests, further alienating the rural electorate from the central government.
Persistent Poverty and the Lack of Public Services
For the residents of the cordillera, the shift in national leadership has had little impact on their daily struggle for survival. The lack of essential services remains a primary driver of the current sentiment of abandonment.
- Healthcare Access: Many Andean villages lack basic clinics, forcing residents to travel long distances over tough terrain to receive medical attention.
- Educational Gaps: While Castillo himself was a teacher, the rural education system continues to suffer from underfunding and a lack of resources.
- Infrastructure: Roads and transport links in the highlands remain inadequate, hindering the movement of goods and the integration of rural farmers into the broader economy.
These systemic failures are not merely logistical issues but are viewed by the villagers as a deliberate neglect by the state. The inequality between the prosperous coastal cities and the impoverished Andean interior remains one of the most volatile fault lines in Peruvian society.
The Impact of the April 12, 2026 Elections
The elections held on April 12 were viewed by some as an opportunity to reset the national direction. However, for those in the Andes, the process felt disconnected from their immediate needs. The feeling of being “forgotten” persists given that the political platforms presented during the campaign often failed to address the specific, localized crises of the highlands.
When voters in the cordillera look at the results of the legislative and presidential contests, they see a political class that continues to operate within the interests of the capital. The cycle of voting for “outsider” candidates—like Castillo in 2021—only to see those candidates fail or be removed, has led to a dangerous level of political apathy and cynicism.
What This Means for Peru’s Stability
The persistent marginalization of the Andean population is not just a humanitarian concern but a stability risk for the Peruvian state. When large segments of the population experience that the democratic process cannot deliver basic services or social dignity, the legitimacy of the government is called into question.
The “sentiment of abandonment” is a precursor to further social unrest. Without a concrete plan to integrate the rural highlands into the national economy and provide tangible improvements in quality of life, the gap between the state and its citizens will only continue to widen.
Key Takeaways: The Crisis in the Andes
- Political Disillusionment: Voters who supported Pedro Castillo in 2021 now feel betrayed by the political system following his 2022 removal.
- Systemic Neglect: Rural communities continue to face severe shortages in healthcare, education, and basic infrastructure.
- Regional Divide: There is a stark contrast between the political priorities of Lima and the lived experience of villagers in the cordillera.
- Electoral Apathy: The April 12, 2026, elections have failed to convince many Andean residents that their voices will lead to actual change.
As Peru moves forward from the April 12 elections, the focus of the modern administration will be critical. The government must determine whether it will continue to overlook the highlands or implement a genuine strategy of rural development to mend the fractured relationship with the Andean people.
The next critical checkpoint for the country will be the official certification of the election results and the subsequent inauguration of the winning candidates, where the new leadership’s first policy priorities will reveal whether the “forgotten” villagers of the Andes will finally be seen.
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