Lima, Peru – The political party associated with recently released populist leader Antauro Humala was declared illegal by a chamber of Peru’s Supreme Court on October 31.
The court also ordered the dissolution of the party, the National Alliance of Workers, Farmers, University Reservists and Workers (ANTAURO), for which Humala is its likely presidential candidate for the 2026 elections.
Humala is a former Peruvian military officer known for leading the Ethnocacerista movement, an ideology that promotes a nationalist vision rooted in indigenous identity. He is a staunch critic of the neoliberal system. At 61, he is the older brother of Ollanta Humala, who served as Peru’s president from 2011 to 2016.
Antauro Humala was released from prison in August 2022 after serving 17 years and eight months for killing four police officers during the “Andahuaylazo,” a January 2005 military uprising in the city of Andahuaylas, southern Peru, aimed at overthrowing then-President. Alejandro Toledo.
In July 2024, the Public Ministry asked the Judiciary to declare Antauros’ party illegal, claiming that it was involved in undemocratic activities and discriminated against different groups.
Humala has proposed extreme measures for the media, including the execution of former presidents and the celebration of “Andahuaylazo”, despite this leading to his imprisonment for multiple crimes. His proposals also include the exclusion and persecution of members of the LGTBIQ+ community as well as immigrants.
According to a statement from the Public Ministry, the decision against this party, ultimately supported by the Peruvian judiciary, required three specific actions. First, the party’s registration had to be canceled by the Register of Political Organizations (ROP). Second, all party offices were to be closed and finally, the party was prohibited from re-registering with the ROP.
Regarding the October 31 court decision, constitutional lawyer Alejandro Rospigliosi told Canal N that it represents “a historic judgment in Peru” and “a precedent in Latin America in favor of democracy.”
“Democracy cannot allow parties that promote anti-values and violate human rights. This man spoke about the execution of former presidents and discrimination against the LGTBI community. Democracy cannot allow such things,” he said.
However, Rospigliosi explained that Antauro could still save his party if the Peruvian judiciary accepts the appeal filed on November 5.
In the 2026 elections
The latest national poll, conducted by Ipsos for Peru21places Keiko Fujimori (12%), leader of Fuerza Popular, and Antauro Humala (8%) as the two main candidates. Both saw a slight increase of two points compared to July’s results.
However, according to the same poll, seven out of 10 Peruvians believe that Antauro’s party should be excluded from the electoral race.
Fujimori is the daughter of former president and human rights abuser Alberto Fujimori, 86, who was granted a humanitarian pardon and released from prison in December 2023.
