Pedro Diez Canseco Corbacho, born on January 31, 1815, in Arequipa, was a Peruvian military officer and politician who served as provisional president of Peru three times, in 1863, 1865, and 1868. Though his terms were brief and transitional, he played a key role in managing the political crises that rocked the country during the 19th century. Pedro Diez Canseco was also the brother of Francisco Diez Canseco, another provisional president of Peru.
Diez Canseco began his military career at a young age, participating in various Peruvian civil wars as well as in struggles against foreign invasion attempts. He rose through the ranks of the army and held several high-ranking positions. As a politician, he was often seen as a moderating and conciliatory figure, capable of stabilizing the country during times of great turmoil.
In 1863, after the death of President Miguel de San Román, Diez Canseco assumed the provisional presidency, but his term was very short, ending with the election of Juan Antonio Pezet. In 1865, he returned to the provisional presidency after the overthrow of Pezet by General Mariano Ignacio Prado, but again, his term was brief, as Prado soon replaced him.
Diez Canseco briefly returned to the presidency in 1868 after the resignation of Prado, but once again, his tenure was transitional. He retired from active political life after these episodes, leaving behind the image of a pragmatic and conciliatory leader who, though never holding power for a prolonged period, played a crucial role in managing crises.
Pedro Diez Canseco died on April 3, 1893, in Arequipa. Though he never left a lasting mark as president, he is often remembered for his role in stabilizing Peruvian politics during some of the most challenging periods of the 19th century.