Andina

Peru: Political reform on impediments to run as candidate

14:06 | Lima, Jun. 12.

Peruvian Congress' Constitution Commission has approved —by a majority— the political reform submitted by the Executive Branch on the impediments to run as candidates for public office.

These changes in the Constitution are aimed at guaranteeing greater competence for popularly-elected posts. 

Amendments to Article 34 


Article 34-A: "The people, who have guilty verdicts issued in first instance for (having committed) intentional crimes, are forbidden to run for popularly-elected posts, according to the terms established in the law." 

Amendments to Article 39
 
Likewise, the Constitution Commission made an amendment to Article 39 of the Constitution to extend this prohibition for the exercise of public office. 

"People sentenced in first instance for (having committed) intentional crimes are forbidden to hold public office, according to the terms established in the law."

The Executive Branch —in its constitutional reform proposal— had merely suggested this impediment to be imposed on any person who had a guilty verdict in first instance for having committed an intentional crime leading to a sentence of more than four years. 

This proposal was part of the six bills included in the confidence motion introduced by the Executive Branch. Later, Parliament would deliver the corresponding confidence vote to Prime Minister Salvador del Solar's cabinet.

This decision must be approved at Congress' plenary session in two legislative terms to enter into force for the 2021 elections, as it means a constitutional change. 

(END) FHG/DTK/MVB

Published: 6/12/2019