International IDEA implemented the State of Democracy assessment in Peru as a pilot study in 2002. The people of Peru had long experience of political crises and the machinations of politicians and generals during the 20th century. After four military dictatorships in recent history, in the late 1990s Peru started a process to divest itself of a manipulative and authoritarian civil government and return to democratic governance.

The 1990s was a difficult decade for Peru. Political violence and an economic crisis led to a weakening of the political party system and deep citizen mistrust of democracy and politics. The following decade saw further challenges, beginning with a transitioning government after the fall of President Fujimori’s regime and efforts to promote democracy and citizens’ trust. Social demands were not always appropriately met, and hundreds of social conflicts erupted. This all generated an overall atmosphere of mistrust in political parties and politicians.