"Martín Vizcarra seeks to overturn his disqualification and dreams of 2026 in Peruvian politics."

Martín Vizcarra, the former president of Peru, has once again captured media attention following the recent confirmation of his disqualification by the Judiciary, which prevents him from holding public office for a period of ten years. This measure stems from the scandal known as 'Vacunagate', where he was accused of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine irregularly and clandestinely. Amid this situation, Vizcarra has expressed optimism and determination to regain his right to run in the presidential elections of 2026. Vizcarra's disqualification was a direct result of a vote in Congress in April 2021, where 86 lawmakers decided to sanction him without any opposition or abstentions. This event marked a milestone in Peruvian politics, highlighting the severity with which the vaccine scandal was addressed, affecting not only Vizcarra but also other high-ranking officials who allegedly acted similarly. Public outrage was palpable, leading to significant pressure for accountability from those who betrayed public trust during a health crisis. In response to his disqualification, Vizcarra has sought to appeal to higher judicial instances. His amparo (protection) demand was rejected by both the Sixth Constitutional Court and the First Constitutional Chamber of Lima. Despite these judicial setbacks, the former president has expressed his intention to take the case to the Constitutional Court and, if necessary, to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, in search of a resolution that would allow him to regain his candidacy rights. Through his account on X, the social network formerly known as Twitter, Vizcarra expressed confidence that justice will prevail. "The disqualifications will be lifted because they are unjust, and I will be able to run in 2026, make no mistake about it," he wrote, making it clear that his political ambition remains intact. This statement has sparked a debate among analysts and politicians, who wonder if Vizcarra's figure could regain relevance in an electoral scenario that is already beginning to take shape. The former president has also emphasized that the process has been long and tortuous, arguing that he has patiently waited for three years for the Judiciary to issue its resolution. From his perspective, the Judiciary's decision must be evaluated with caution and, above all, with a focus on the fundamental rights of citizens, including the right to participate in the political life of the country. However, Vizcarra's situation is not straightforward. The political context in Peru has changed drastically since his departure from the presidency, and the 'Vacunagate' scandal has left an indelible mark on his public image. His detractors argue that his disqualification reflects the need for accountability and transparency in public service, especially in critical times like the pandemic. On the other hand, the public's response to his statements and aspirations will be key. The collective memory of citizens regarding 'Vacunagate' and Vizcarra's management during his term will influence his acceptance as a candidate in future elections. Many Peruvians still remember the discontent that led to his removal and the subsequent political crisis the country experienced. Peruvian politics remains a complex battleground, where former presidents like Vizcarra attempt to reclaim their position in an environment marked by distrust and demands for change. With his sights set on 2026, Vizcarra's trajectory could take several unexpected turns depending on the decisions made by judicial bodies and the electorate's reaction to his potential return. In this context, Vizcarra's figure becomes a paradigmatic example of the struggle between justice and politics, where boundaries blur and the future appears uncertain. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether he will indeed be able to lift his disqualification and, if so, whether he will have enough support to present himself as a candidate in a new chapter of his political career.