Overview

• The Jurado Nacional de Elecciones declared the vacancy in a public hearing on October 14, 2025, under expediente JNE.2025000462.
• Deputy mayor Richard Cortez assumes the municipal leadership immediately following the ruling.
• Evidence cited included residents’ Yape payments to entrepreneur Edgardo Merino for a swim academy and subsequent refunds.
• Municipal officials argued no formal transfer occurred and fees were returned, but the JNE determined there was sufficient proof of improper use of a public asset.
• The session reviewed 17 municipal cases and upheld only two vacancies—Chorrillos and Cañete—and the prosecutor’s office could evaluate whether to open an investigation.