Elections 2026 Archives - Americas Quarterly

Voters enter a polling station during the second day of voting in Lima on April 13, 2026.

Peru’s Chaotic Election — and Some Reasons for Hope

While the country’s politics remain in poor shape, the June 7 runoff offers a new opportunity to rethink the future.

Jair Bolsonaro, left, and his son Flávio address supporters at a rally in Rio de Janeiro in March 2025.

The Voters Flávio Bolsonaro Still Needs

To succeed in October’s election, the son of Brazil’s last president will have to convince those outside the conservative movement.

An election worker assists a voter in Chiguata, Peru, on April 12.

REACTION: Peru Braces for a Polarizing Fujimori-Sánchez Runoff

Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez appear headed to a high-stakes runoff on June 7 after the first-round vote indicated critical new dynamics.

President of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasília on February 26

Why Lula Is Struggling

Brazil’s October election now looks like a coin-flip, writes AQ’s editor-in-chief.

Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz speaks during a press conference in La Paz on Jan. 13

In Bolivia, Rodrigo Paz Faces an Electoral Stress Test

The March 22 subnational elections are a critical bellwether of support for the president in Bolivia’s shifting political landscape.

Colombian presidential candidates Iván Cepeda, Abelardo De La Espriella, and Paloma Valencia

Colombia: Meet the Candidates 2026

Violence and corruption top voter concerns ahead of the first round of presidential elections on May 31.

Peruvian presidential candidates Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez

Peru: Meet the Candidates 2026

Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez will compete in a polarizing runoff on June 7, with crime and protracted political instability top of mind for voters.

Peru's President José María Balcázar stands in Congress for his inauguration in Lima on February 18.

Peru’s Political Instability Enters a New Chapter Under Balcázar

José María Balcázar is tasked with ensuring a smooth government transition on July 28, an expert writes.

Colombia's opposition frontrunner Abelardo de la Espriella at an event in Bogota in December 2025.Colombia's opposition frontrunner Abelardo de la Espriella at an event in Bogota in December 2025.

Colombia’s Bukele? Abelardo De La Espriella Surges Ahead

The right-wing frontrunner in Colombia’s election tells AQ he’s an “odd fish, but not a dangerous one,” and addresses questions about his past.

Costa Rica: Meet the Candidates 2026

Public security tops voters’ concerns ahead of the February 1 election.

Governor of São Paulo Tarcísio de Freitas speaking at Palácio do Planalto in Brasilia last year.

Tarcísio: Will He or Won’t He?

São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas, a right-wing Wall Street darling, seems close to deciding on a 2026 run for president.