Lima mayoral candidacy disputes in Peru

Political tension has emerged within the Renovación Popular party following the resignation of Luis Rubio Idrogo, the original candidate for Mayor of Lima. This resignation led to Rafael López Aliaga becoming the head of the electoral list as a candidate for first councilman.

Legal challenges have been filed with the Jurado Electoral Especial (JEE) Lima Centro seeking López Aliaga’s exclusion from the 2026 elections. Complainants argue that the change in the list’s configuration could allow López Aliaga to assume the Mayoralty for the 2027-2030 term without being directly elected to that office, potentially violating constitutional rules regarding reelection and the abuse of rights.

Internal criticism has intensified, with Senator Katherine Ampuero calling for transparency regarding Rubio’s departure. While the party's National Executive Committee cited personal reasons for the withdrawal, Ampuero stated that Rubio should provide explanations to both party members and the electorate. She characterized the political shift as a “reelección encubierta” (disguised reelection) and expressed her opposition to the current constitutional prohibition on the reelection of mayors.

In a recent development, Renovación Popular formally consulted the Jurado Nacional de Elecciones (JNE) regarding whether López Aliaga is eligible to participate in upcoming municipal debates for Lima Metropolitana. The party seeks clarification on whether López Aliaga, as a candidate for first regidor, can represent the party during debates scheduled for September 21 and 22. Carlos Vilela, the JNE's national director of education, noted that the decision on which individual represents a party in these debates rests with the political organizations themselves.