Peruvian Political Parties Face Financial Scrutiny Ahead of 2026 Elections
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A new report from Peru’s National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE) has revealed financial irregularities within at least four political parties, raising concerns as the nation approaches the 2026 elections. The findings, initially reported by The Sunday Fourth Estate, detail issues ranging from questionable loans to undocumented contributions and the use of premises without proper supporting documentation. The parties under scrutiny include peru First,We Can Peru,Free Peru,and Alliance for Progress.
Alliance for Progress and César Acuña’s Debt
The spotlight is especially focused on Alliance for Progress (APP),the party led by presidential candidate César Acuña. According to The Sunday Fourth Estate, APP has accumulated a debt of nearly 20 million soles, largely owed to Acuña himself, his children, his former brother-in-law, and the Cesar Vallejo University.These debts are categorized as both “current and non-current arranged credits.” The ONPE report, prepared in October 2025, analyzed APP’s private financing and contributions received in 2024.
APP Defends Financial Practices
responding to the report, a senior official from Alliance for Progress asserted the party maintains “transparent accounts” and has properly recorded all expenses. The official stated that all funds received by APP have been declared to both the SUNAT (Peru’s tax authority) and the ONPE. “We have our transparent,clear accounts,” the official emphasized. “There are parties that not only receive financing from corrupt companies, but also from illicit activities.”
Explaining the Debt and Party Operations
The official further explained that the debt originated in 2016, representing “contracted obligations” accumulated over time. “It is an accumulated debt that we have with our party president and with part of his family,” the official said. “We have to maintain premises throughout Peru, we have to pay payroll, we have to pay for services, we have work, let’s say, mobilization.” The official argued that resources are essential for political endeavors, contrasting APP’s funding sources with those of other parties allegedly reliant on “illegal economies or corrupt companies.”
Inquiry into Oscar Acuña
The scrutiny extends to César Acuña’s brother, Oscar Acuña, who is currently under investigation by the Public Ministry. However, a party spokesperson assured that Oscar Acuña is not a fugitive from justice. “We believe in his innocence,” the spokesperson stated, expressing confidence that the legal system will determine his duty. The spokesperson confirmed that Oscar Acuña has not been summoned by either the Public Ministry or the Judiciary and currently faces no restrictions.
The investigation stems from the “Frigoinca” case,where the Public Ministry alleges a criminal association manipulated bidding processes to favor food supply companies,including ‘Frigoinca’,for distribution through the national program Qali Warma,which provides school meals. oscar Acuña is accused of being a key figure in this alleged scheme.
Why is this happening? The ONPE report and subsequent investigations where triggered by concerns over transparency in political financing, a recurring issue in Peruvian politics. The scrutiny aims to ensure fair competition and prevent undue influence from illicit sources. Who is involved? The key players include the ONPE, The Sunday Fourth estate (for initial reporting), Alliance for Progress (APP) and its leader César Acuña, Oscar Acuña, and the Public Ministry conducting the investigation. what are the allegations? The allegations center around meaningful debt owed
