JNE proposes law to veto convicted individuals from leadership positions in political parties in Peru.

The National Jury of Elections (JNE) has presented a bill aimed at establishing stricter criteria for the regulation of founders and executives of political parties in Peru. This initiative proposes that individuals who have been convicted of serious crimes, such as terrorism, glorification of terrorism, drug trafficking, violations of sexual freedom, corruption, and other related offenses, should not be allowed to hold leadership positions in the country’s political organizations. This measure arises in a context where integrity and transparency in political life are increasingly demanded by the citizenry. One of the most notable aspects of the project is the suspension of a political party's participation in the ongoing electoral process or the next one if it is confirmed that any of its founders or executives has been convicted of the aforementioned crimes and has not been removed from their position. This proposal reflects an effort to ensure that those who lead political organizations are individuals with impeccable moral conduct, as they are responsible for representing the citizenry and making important decisions for the country’s future. In addition to the prohibition of convictions, the JNE proposes that all executives and founders of political parties, as well as regional movements, submit a sworn declaration committing to respect democratic principles, the rule of law, and the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. Currently, this obligation only falls on the founders, highlighting the need to expand the requirements to include executives, who play a crucial role in directing party policies. The JNE's proposal establishes that the participation of a regional movement will also be suspended if its leaders are aware of any conviction and do not take the necessary measures to remove the individual from their position. This approach aims to promote a culture of responsibility and transparency within political organizations and to deter those who might be tempted to ignore the judicial convictions of their members. The electoral body bases its proposal on the idea that the right to establish and organize a political party is not absolute. This perspective acknowledges that, in a democratic society, it is necessary to set limits to ensure legitimacy and ethics in the exercise of politics. The JNE argues that regulation must adhere to the principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality. The scope of this initiative extends to the inclusion of crimes such as glorification of terrorism and corruption, which are already considered impediments to being candidates in general, regional, and municipal elections. By incorporating these crimes into the list of prohibitions for founders and executives, the JNE seeks to create a more robust framework that protects the integrity of political functions and safeguards citizens' trust in their representatives. It is important to note that these types of adjustments to electoral legislation are part of a broader effort to reform the country’s political system, which has faced various corruption scandals and crises of trust in recent years. The JNE's proposal could be a significant step toward creating a cleaner and more accountable political environment, where citizens can fully trust those who seek to represent them. However, the implementation of these measures will require open and constructive debate among the various political actors in the country. It will be essential for parties and regional movements to commit to complying with these new standards and to take a proactive stance in eradicating corrupt practices and serious crimes within their ranks. In conclusion, the bill presented by the JNE represents a crucial advance in the regulation of political parties in Peru. By establishing clear criteria regarding the suitability of their executives, it seeks to restore trust in Peruvian politics and foster an environment where ethics and democratic commitment are prioritized. Civil society will also play a fundamental role in monitoring and supporting these reforms, ensuring that the change is not only legislative but also cultural.