Peru's Foreign Minister investigated for electoral neutrality violation

The Special Electoral Jury (JEE) of Lima has launched an investigation into Peruvian Foreign Minister Carlos Espá for allegedly violating the principle of electoral neutrality. The investigation follows comments made by Espá during a television interview regarding the candidates for the Metropolitan Municipality of Lima.

During the interview, Espá was asked about candidates Rafael López Aliaga and Carlos Bruce. While acknowledging that his position as a public official prohibits him from expressing electoral preferences, Espá remarked, “The blue is closer to the light blue. So I am closer to the light blue than to another color.” The light blue color is associated with the Renovación Popular party.

Additionally, Espá commented on the potential impact of a candidate's victory, suggesting that if López Aliaga were to be elected, he would have the opportunity to complete unfinished public works. Under Peruvian law and regulations from the National Jury of Elections (JNE), public officials are required to remain impartial and are prohibited from making statements in the media that favor or harm any candidate during an election process.