Peru's Constituent Congress holds its first session (1822)

The Constituent Congress of Peru held its first session in Lima on September 20, 1822, marking the start of the first democratically elected institution in the country. Convened under the protectorate of José de San Martín, the Congress aimed to draft Peru's first constitution. Key figures included Francisco Xavier de Luna Pizarro, who served as the first president of the Congress.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Following the declaration of Peruvian independence on July 28, 1821, José de San Martín assumed command as Protector. On December 27, 1821, he called for the people to freely choose a Constituent Congress to establish the government form and a constitution. This body was intended to be the first democratically elected institution in Peru, tasked with drafting the liberal constitution of 1823.

First Session. The first session officially opened on September 20, 1822, in Lima. The Congress was composed of 79 elected deputies and 38 alternates. Francisco Xavier de Luna Pizarro was elected as the first president of the Congress. The legislative work was hampered by difficult circumstances arising in late 1822 and early 1823, including political conflicts and military defeats.

People involved

Sources

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