- Peru’s Congress approved Bill No. 9689, allowing blockchain-based electronic voting for citizens residing outside the national territory.
- The ONPE will monitor the blockchain voting system to ensure confidentiality, transparency, and open access to source code.
The Congress of Peru has approved Bill No. 9689, which enables the use of blockchain technology for electronic voting by Peruvian citizens living abroad. The proposal, introduced by Congressman Jorge Zeballos Aponte, sets the legal groundwork for an alternative to in-person voting, using digital tools aimed at expanding participation.
¡PROMESA CUMPLIDA!
Innovación y modernización del proceso electoral. El Congreso de la República aprobó el Proyecto de Ley N° 9689, de mi autoría, que establece la implementación del voto virtual electrónico con tecnología blockchain para los peruanos residentes en el… pic.twitter.com/lVfXzautyi
— Jorge Zeballos (@JZeballosAponte) March 23, 2025
The new system will be applied progressively. It will not replace traditional voting but will serve as an additional method to allow overseas voters to participate without needing to travel long distances. According to Zeballos, many Peruvians abroad face difficulties reaching polling stations, which affects voter turnout.
“I know what it is like to want to vote, but having to drive more than seven hours to get to the polling place. Therefore, I believe that this regulation will allow a significant advance in electoral modernization and allow Peruvians abroad to continue influencing political decisions in their country”, according to Jorge Zeballos.
Recent data by ETHNews shows that less than 25% of Peruvians abroad take part in elections. Out of 997,033 registered voters outside the country, the majority abstained, largely due to logistical issues. The approved bill seeks to address that through a technical solution that operates remotely but still guarantees electoral integrity.
“Undoubtedly, virtual voting with blockchain technology will become a reality. We will modernize voting with the most revolutionary and secure system in the world. In other countries this reform is already a reality; now, Peru is about to make history, contributing qualitatively to a democracy without borders.”
The National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE) will oversee the system’s implementation. Its responsibilities include maintaining the security, confidentiality, and auditability of the voting process. As part of the transparency measures, the source code of the system will be made available to political parties for review and verification.
Although the bill passed with broad support, some voices have urged caution. The Blockchain & DLT Association of Peru (ABPE) contributed to the technical discussions during the consultation phase. While the group supported the digital modernization effort, it warned against limiting the law to one specific technology. It also recommended building a flexible regulatory framework that can evolve as new tools emerge.
Zeballos emphasized that other countries have already adopted similar models. He described the reform as a necessary step to modernize Peru’s voting infrastructure and increase the influence of expatriates in political decision-making.
For now, the blockchain-based system will be rolled out gradually, under strict supervision, with the aim of increasing trust and access in future elections.
