Politics

The politics of Peru takes place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the President of Peru is both head of state and head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Congress. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.

Executive Branch

The President of Peru is popularly elected for a five-year term, and the 1993 constitution permits one consecutive re-election. All citizens above the age of 18 are entitled and in fact compelled to vote. The first and second vice presidents also are popularly elected but have no constitutional functions unless the president is unable to discharge his duties.

The President appoints the Council of Ministers (Consejo de Ministros, or Cabinet) and Prime Minister (primer ministro). All presidential decree laws or draft bills sent to Congress must be approved by the Council of Ministers.

Legislative Branch

The legislative branch consists of a unicameral Congress (Congreso) of 120 members, elected for a five-year term by proportional representation. In addition to passing laws, Congress ratifies treaties, authorises government loans and approves the government budget. The president has the power to block legislation with which the executive branch does not agree.

Judicial Branch

The judicial branch of government is headed by a 16-member Supreme Court seated in Lima. The National Council of the Judiciary appoints judges to this court.

The Constitutional Court (Tribunal Constitucional) interprets the constitution on matters of individual rights. Superior courts in departmental capitals review appeals from decisions by lower courts. Courts of first instance are located in provincial capitals and are divided into civil, penal and special chambers. The judiciary has created several temporary specialised courts in an attempt to reduce the large backlog of cases pending final court action.

Peru's legal system is based on civil law system. Peru has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction. In 1996 a human rights ombudsman's office (defensor del pueblo) was created to address human rights issues.

Military

The Peruvian Military has as its primary mission the safeguarding of the country's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity against any threat. It is composed of three branches: the Ejército del Perú (Army), the Marina de Guerra del Perú (Navy) and the Fuerza Aérea del Perú (Air Force). Each of these services is subordinated to the Ministry of Defence and ultimately to the President as Commander-in-Chief of the Peruvian Armed Forces. Conscription was abolished in 1999 and replaced by a voluntary system, males and females can serve for two years in the military institution of their choosing provided they meet the necessary requirements.