Peruvian Election 2026: Candidate’s Promise to Reward Criminal Capture | América Noticias

March 25, 2026 Priya Shah – Business Editor Business

Peru’s presidential candidates clashed during the first round of debates held at the Lima Convention Center on Tuesday, less than three weeks before the general election for a five-year term, with proposals largely criticized as lacking innovation and concrete solutions to the country’s pressing problems.

The debate, organized by the National Elections Board (JNE), featured eleven candidates: Marisol Pérez Tello (Primero la Gente), Alfonso Lopez Chau (Ahora Nación), Carlos Alvarez (País para todos), Rafael Lopez Aliaga (Renovación Popular), Cesar Acuña (Alianza para el Progreso), Wolfgang Grozo (Integridad Democrática), José Luna (Podemos Perú), Fernando Olivera (Front of Hope), Yonhy Lescano (Popular Cooperation), Alex Gonzales (Green Democratic Party), and José Williams (Avanza País). The event was structured around four segments: “Public Safety and the Fight Against Crime,” “Citizen Questions,” “Public Integrity and the Fight Against Corruption,” and “Closing Remarks.”

Several candidates offered specific pledges. Armando Massé of the Partido Democrático Federal stated he would donate his presidential salary if elected, earmarking the funds for efforts to locate criminals, according to reports from YouTube and other media outlets. Fiorella Molinelli, representing Fuerza y Libertad, vowed to capture Vladimir Cerrón and Juan Silva within 90 days of taking office, as reported by RPP Noticias.

Candidates broadly addressed issues such as support for youth through educational investment, including university scholarships and loans, as well as opportunities for graduate study abroad. Proposals also included the creation of a National Transparency Authority, life imprisonment and “civil death” for corrupt officials, the establishment of special economic zones, combating illegal mining, promoting an open economy and industrialization, and modernizing the state through technology. However, details on implementation were often lacking, according to press reports.

The debates come at a critical juncture for Peru, as the nation prepares to elect a new leader to address ongoing challenges related to crime, corruption, and economic development. The next round of debates is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks.