Maipú officials indicted for 2019 electoral fraud

The National Electoral Chamber (CNE) has confirmed the indictment of former Maipú Mayor Matías Rappallini and interim Mayor Lorena Otermín for crimes related to the 2019 municipal elections. The officials, members of the Unión Cívica Radical (UCR), are accused of electoral fraud involving the unlawful retention of national identity documents to prevent citizens from voting.

The investigation revealed a scheme where at least 27 individuals—primarily vulnerable women with children—were induced to abstain from voting through deception. In some instances, identity documents were allegedly returned only in exchange for money, food, or other goods. The 2019 election was decided by a margin of fewer than 50 votes, with Rappallini winning by 49 votes over the Frente de Todos candidate.

In addition to the processing of the two leaders, 11 other municipal employees have been implicated. The court has also maintained preventive liens on the assets of Rappallini and Otermín, totaling 30 million pesos each. The charges include the unlawful retention of documents and inducing voters to abstain, violating articles 137 and 140 of the National Electoral Code.