Overview
- At least nine sitting congressmembers previously denounced for alleged wage‑skimming are seeking spots for 2026, including Rosío Torres, María Acuña, Magaly Ruíz, Alejandro Soto, José Arriola, Heidy Juárez, Hilda Portero, María Agüero and Katy Ugarte.
- An El Comercio review reports at least 15 precandidates across nine parties with judicial problems, including investigations for corruption, money laundering and domestic violence.
- High‑profile entries include Vladimir Cerrón listed for the presidency despite a preventive detention order, Martín Vizcarra registered for the first vice presidency despite an inhabilitación and an ongoing trial, and Arturo Fernández listed for the first vice presidency while a fugitive with a defamation conviction.
- In the ‘mochasueldos’ cases, the Ethics Committee proposes a 120‑day suspension for María Agüero but the report has not been scheduled for a Plenary vote, and prosecutors hold an audio that allegedly captures Magaly Ruíz seeking to influence a witness.
- Analysts say parties are prioritizing loyalty, exposure and electoral calculus over renewal or screening, and they urge voters to scrutinize candidates’ records in the primaries.