Overview
- Phillip Butters tendered an irrevocable resignation of his party membership and presidential precandidacy via a notarial letter to party president Aldo Borrero, which the party confirmed.
- Avanza País accepted the resignation and said it will continue in the race, with a presidential formula to be unveiled on December 7 as leaders indicate José Williams is the leading option.
- Borrero publicly questioned Butters’ priorities, saying he seemed more focused on his business, while party sources and Borrero alleged funds tied to his campaign ended up supporting his media outlet.
- In his letter, Butters cited political and personal reasons for departing and criticized what he called insufficient organization, controls, financing and political development within the party.
- Weeks of friction preceded the split, including remarks in a Bethel interview viewed as ill-judged toward evangelicals, an uncoordinated and violent episode in Puno, disputes at a Picota rally, failed attempts by Butters to reach Borrero, and growing internal support and financing pledges for Williams.