Peruvians have
overwhelmingly approved —in a referendum last Sunday— measures to reform the National Justice Board, regulate political parties' campaign financing, and prohibit legislators from immediate re-election, according to early official results by National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE).
Below is a brief explanation of the initiatives:
National Justice Board reform
Through this constitutional reform, the National Council of the Magistracy (CNM) is replaced by the National Justice Board —the body in charge of appointing and ratifying judges and prosecutors, as well as sanctioning supreme judges and prosecutors.
The board will consist of seven members, who will serve a five-year term and will be selected through a merit-based public competition conducted by a special commission.
The requirements to file an application include being Peruvian by birth and an active citizen, being older than 45 but younger than 75 years old, being a lawyer with 25 years of proven expertise or 15-year experience in legal research, among other things.
Political parties' financing reform
This reform grants political parties' financing a constitutional status. This aspect is already regulated by law.
In addition, criminal penalties will be added to toughen laws on electoral campaign financing.
Ban on immediate re-election of lawmakers
This reform introduces a new provision to article 90 of the Constitution, regarding the Legislative Branch, thus banning immediate re-election of legislators to the same position.
The current Constitution allows lawmakers to be re-elected into the same post in a consecutive term.
It must be noted the abovementioned ban already applies to mayors and regional governors across the Andean country.
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Published: 12/10/2018