Reasons of invalid voting in the 2021 presidential elections in Peru; [Razões do voto inválido nas eleições presidenciais de 2021 no Peru]

Silva M.; Arenas L. · Revista de Psicologia (Peru) (2026) · DOI: 10.18800/psico.202601.001

Resumen

This research explores the reasons behind spoilt voting in the second round of the Peruvian presidential elections of 2021. Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals whose votes were intentionally cast as invalid. The interview delves into the motivations for casting an invalid vote and the associated factors. The findings suggest that respondents cast invalid votes due to political discontent with the supply side during the second-round of the presidential campaign. High perceptions of corruption and political polarization influenced this decision, highlighting decreased political interest. These results highlight the crisis of political legitimacy and representativeness in Peru in that context, showing that the invalid vote functions as a concrete manifestation of citizen disaffection with the political system. © (2026), (Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru). All rights reserved.

Instituciones: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú