Huacullani mayoral candidate disputes resignation amid forgery claims

The Special Electoral Jury (JEE) of Puno has rejected requests by Víctor Hugo Gutiérrez Morales to overturn his resignation from the mayoral candidacy for the Huacullani District, representing the Progresemos political organization. The JEE maintained that the resignation, submitted on August 4, was validly processed after the candidate personally identified himself and provided a fingerprint at the electoral headquarters.

Gutiérrez Morales has contested the validity of the resignation, alleging that his signature may have been forged. His defense has submitted a new documentoscopic expert report suggesting that the signature shows characteristics compatible with digital manipulation. To support his claim, he has also provided a notarized affidavit with biometric validation from RENIEC, stating his intention to continue his candidacy.

In response to the allegations of forgery, the JEE Puno has referred the case to the Provincial Criminal Prosecutor's Office of Puno for investigation. Meanwhile, Gutiérrez Morales has filed an appeal with the National Jury of Elections (JNE), requesting that the new evidence be reviewed before a final decision is reached.