Peru's Finance Ministry says 2026 regional elections fully funded despite deficit warnings

Peru elections budget deficit MEF guarantee JNE warning ONPE funding

The President of Peru's National Jury of Elections (JNE), Roberto Burneo, warned that the regional and municipal elections scheduled for 4 October 2026 face a budget shortfall of about S/589 million, which could force a postponement of the vote. The National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE) also reported a deficit of S/433 million, and the National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (Reniec) highlighted funding gaps for electronic ID cards.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) refuted the danger claim. Vice‑minister of Finance Armando Calderón said the 2026 budget for the electoral system totals S/2.271 billion, of which S/1.187 billion has been spent, leaving S/1.085 billion still available. A supplementary credit of S/325 million is being debated in Congress, and the MEF stands ready to use contingency reserves to cover any remaining gaps. President José María Balcázar added that the government has economic contingencies and will allocate the required funds, while criticizing the electoral agencies for having used only 60 % of previous allocations.

With these assurances, the MEF confirmed that the regional and municipal elections will proceed as planned.