The Subnational Indigenous Quota in Peru The Paradoxes of Political Representation

• Published in: Latin American politics and society Vol. 62; no. 3; pp. 123 - 148
• Main Authors: Paredes, Maritza, Došek, Tomáš
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Coral Gables Cambridge University Press 01.10.2020
• Subjects: Articulation; Candidates; Case studies; Community support; Congressional elections; Constitutional law; Constitutions; Decentralization; Election districts; Election law; Election results; Elections; Fieldwork; Gender; Indigenous peoples; Local elections; Native peoples; Political campaigns; Political parties; Political representation; Provinces; Quotas; Reforms; Regions; Social capital; Peru
• ISSN: 1531-426X; 1548-2456
• DOI: 10.1017/lap.2020.9

The objective of this article is to explain the territorial variation in indigenous political representation at the subnational level in Peru. The Peruvian state introduced a weak indigenous electoral quota, and its effects have varied across provinces. This article presents a typology that combines descriptive and substantive dimensions of political representation. Using a subnational comparative method, the four cases studied illustrate distinct dynamics. The article argues that these differing dynamics are explained by a combination of sociostructural variables (i.e., political articulation and cohesion of indigenous organizations as a result of a conflict) and individual variables (i.e., candidates’ political capital). This article demonstrates how, even in an institutionally adverse environment that does not feature ethnic parties, both descriptive and substantive indigenous political representation can be achieved, and that these two dimensions are not necessarily related. The article is based on fieldwork and interviews with key provincial political actors.