Andina

Congress elects Josue Gutierrez as new Ombudsman of Peru

Photo: Congress of the Republic of Peru

Photo: Congress of the Republic of Peru

18:54 | Lima, May. 17.

In a plenary session on Wednesday, Parliament members elected Josue Manuel Gutierrez Condor as the new Ombudsman of Peru, after garnering more than the 87 votes required for the election.

Gutierrez' candidature received 88 votes in favor, 24 against, and 9 abstentions.

Before his election, the legislators dismissed the candidature of Jorge Luis Rioja Vallejos, who obtained 58 votes in favor, 31 against, and 24 abstentions.

Afterwards, Congress Chairman Jose Williams announced that the corresponding legislative resolution will be issued and lawmakers will be convened for the swearing-in ceremony in a timely manner.

As this was the only item on the agenda for Wednesday's session, the plenary session was suspended until Thursday, May 18, at 9:30 a.m.

Election without debate

The Congress' plenary session proceeded to declare him as the new head of the Ombudsman's Office without a debate, as agreed at a meeting of the Board of Spokespersons held prior to the vote.

The vice-chair of the special Commission in charge of selecting the candidates for Ombudsman, Arturo Alegria (Fuerza Popular party), supported the final report on said process.

About Jose Gutierrez 

Josue Manuel Gutierrez Condor is a lawyer born on May 1, 1972. He was proposed as candidate by the Peru Libre bench.

The new ombudsman earned a Bachelor's Degree in Law from the University of Huanuco.

As part of his work experience, he has held a professional position at the Congress of the Republic from August 2022 to present.

Gutierrez has also served as coordinator at Parliament from August 2021 to August 2022, and has served as lawmaker from July 2011 to July 2016.

In addition, the newly-elected ombudsman has served as lawyer of Peru Libre party's founder, Vladimir Cerron.

(END) GDS/RMCH/RMB

Published: 5/17/2023