Peru governor candidates hold criminal convictions for 2026 elections

A review of candidates for Peru’s regional governor posts ahead of the October 4, 2026 elections found that roughly one in four candidates nationwide have criminal convictions. The report highlights that parties such as Podemos Perú, Fuerza Popular, Alianza Para el Progreso and Perú Libre field the highest numbers of candidates with sentences.

In the San Martín region, an investigation of the nine aspirants revealed that only one candidate, Roger Rodríguez Gonzales Reátegui, disclosed final sentences for embezzlement (2003) and collusion (2004). Under current Peruvian law, individuals with final sentences for common crimes or ongoing investigations may still run, unless convicted of an intentional crime in the first instance. The findings raise questions about candidate integrity as voters prepare to elect 25 regional governors.