Puno Mayor Javier Ponce Defends Meeting with President‑Elect Keiko Fujimori

Mayor Javier Ponce of Puno justified his recent meeting with president‑elect Keiko Fujimori, saying he did not seek a pardon but asked her congressional bloc to reactivate a commission to investigate deaths that occurred under the previous administration of Dina Boluarte.

Ponce distinguished Fujimori, who came to power by direct vote, from Boluarte, whom he accused of repressing protesters. He cited stalled local projects – a cable‑car and the “cero veinticinco” development – as reasons to keep dialogue open. He warned that his support is conditional and that he will move to opposition if the new government fails to restore the investigative commission, and he pledged to denounce any future repression or human‑rights violations.

He also noted he would not oppose a possible Fujimori visit to the Virgen de la Candelaria festival, though he will no longer be in office when that decision is made.