The Internet strengthens democracy in Peru

Location: Peru

Voting in elections in Peru is mandatory, yet informed voting has historically been low because voters typically found it difficult to access electoral information. In 2011, however, nearly 52,000 Peruvians at home and abroad followed their country's electoral news for the first time through social networking sites established by the government's electoral bodies. On April 10, the day before the national and presidential elections, 1,700 questions were asked and answered via Facebook and Twitter. The Democracia Activa Peru program made this possible by using the Internet to mobilize citizens and promote networking. Citizen fairs, a virtual community and youth leader workshops were vital in the campaign. The USAID-funded program, implemented by FHI 360, was especially focused on women and young people ages 18–35. It supported the Peruvian government's commitment to increase its citizens' trust and participation in the country's democratic process.