San Marcos University Faces Election Uncertainty as Rector's Term Nears End

With less than three weeks remaining in the term of Rector Jeri Ramón Ruffner, the National University of San Marcos (UNMSM) in Peru still lacks a schedule for electing its new authorities. This delay has drawn criticism from student organizations and faculty movements, who insist on the university following the procedures outlined in the University Law to ensure an institutional transition. The current rector and vice-rectors' terms conclude on July 25. According to law, the most senior dean will assume interim leadership to oversee the electoral process. The University Students' Federation of San Marcos (FUSM) has stated that the current authorities' mandate has a legal end date and rejected any possibility of extending their term. The FUSM also advocated for in-person elections and a lower electoral threshold for student representation. Faculty groups echoed these calls, emphasizing the importance of respecting legal deadlines for a democratic transition. Adding to the uncertainty, the National Electoral Processes Office (ONPE) informed UNMSM that it cannot provide technical assistance for internal elections at this time, as its resources are dedicated to the 2026 Regional and Municipal Elections.

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We demand respect for the current legal framework, transparency in the electoral process, and compliance with the established deadlines to guarantee a democratic transition.