The Americas Barometer has revealed concerning figures regarding the trust of Peruvians. Only 41% of the population trusts their community, while perceptions of institutions such as Congress are alarmingly low. In a tense political context, debates on social media about the legitimacy of elections have intensified, with accusations of fraud arising before a single vote is counted.
These trust issues are not new; according to the Institute of Peruvian Studies, interpersonal trust has been declining since its peak in 2014, when it reached 55%. In the current 2025/26 Barometer, the situation is even more severe: only 7% of Peruvians trust Congress, and 82% believe that politicians are involved in corruption. The growing distrust fuels dangerous narratives. When citizens do not recognize others as peers, they interpret their defeats as thefts.
This cycle of distrust erodes the legitimacy of the democratic system and can lead to greater destabilization. As seen in other contexts, the lack of trust affects not only those who believe in these theories but also contaminates society as a whole. Peruvian democracy faces a significant challenge. Citizen resilience is strong, but each unfounded accusation exacerbates skepticism towards institutions. This phenomenon could have serious repercussions in the future, as the lack of trust does not distinguish between corrupt institutions and those that function properly.
