Political reforms in Congress: key to strengthening democracy in Peru.

The political landscape in our country is at a critical juncture, marked by a crisis of representativeness, a lack of institutional integrity, and recurring party-switching that has weakened institutions. In this context, Congress stands out as one of the central actors in this issue, and the reforms proposed by Apoyo Consultoría aim to effectively address these challenges, contributing to the political stability that is so desperately needed. One of the pivotal points in this situation is the internal election of political parties. Currently, the mechanisms for selecting candidates are not transparent and lack the necessary participation to ensure that representatives genuinely reflect the will of the people. The proposal to modify these mechanisms by eliminating preferential voting and promoting more open elections is fundamental. This will allow party members to have a more active role in the selection of their representatives, fostering a greater connection between the electorate and those elected. Moreover, the creation of a mixed parliamentary group that brings together those deputies or senators who choose to leave their original parties represents a direct response to the phenomenon of party-switching. This group, although lacking resources and staff, could become a platform that encourages politicians to remain within their benches and act in accordance with their electoral promises. The idea is to reduce the incentives that lead legislators to change parties, which often generates instability and distrust among citizens. The implementation of a system of staggered renewal in both chambers of Congress is another proposal that could transform the political dynamics in the country. This measure would allow voters to evaluate the performance of their representatives more frequently and effectively. The possibility of renewing half of the congress members in each election would not only increase accountability but also foster greater competitiveness among parties, forcing them to listen to the demands of the citizenry. In terms of the relationships between the chambers, the requirement of a qualified majority in the Senate to modify initiatives approved by the Chamber of Deputies is a reform that could balance legislative power. Currently, the Senate has the authority to make unilateral changes, which can lead to decisions that do not reflect the popular will expressed in the lower house. Implementing this measure would ensure greater consensus and collaboration between both bodies, thus strengthening representative democracy. The necessity of these reforms is evident in the experience of other countries in the region, where mechanisms have been established to limit the discretion of the Senate and promote greater balance in the legislative process. Taking successful models from countries like Argentina and Chile can provide a viable path for Peru to advance towards a more robust and representative political system. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that these reforms are not a magical solution to the political crisis we face. They are significant steps, but they must be accompanied by a collective effort to strengthen political culture and citizen participation. The consolidation of a healthy democracy requires the commitment of all involved actors, from political parties to civil society. In this sense, the role of citizens is fundamental. Active participation in electoral processes, demanding accountability, and monitoring the actions of their representatives are tools that can empower the population and contribute to building a fairer and more equitable political system. Thus, the political future of our country will largely depend on the ability of institutions to adapt and respond to the demands of an increasingly discerning citizenry. The proposed reforms to Congress are an opportunity to initiate a path towards rebuilding trust in the political system, where representativeness and institutional integrity are the fundamental pillars of our democracy. Recent history has taught us that change is possible, but it requires the will and effort of all.