José María Balcázar was appointed as Peru's interim president on February 18, 2026, following the impeachment of José Jerí due to corruption allegations. Balcázar, an 83-year-old former judge from the leftist Perú Libre party, unexpectedly defeated conservative María del Carmen Alva in the election. In his inaugural remarks, he stated, "In these few months that remain, we will guarantee the people of Peru a peaceful and transparent democratic and electoral transition, leaving no room for doubt in the elections," which are scheduled for April 12, 2026 (The Hindu). His election marks the ninth leadership change in Peru since 2016, underscoring the country's ongoing political instability.