Presidential candidate Roberto Sánchez of Juntos por el Perú (JPP) has confirmed he is holding “preliminary conversations” with former prosecutor José Domingo Pérez. The candidate indicated that Pérez could potentially lead a comprehensive reform of the Peruvian justice system or serve as Minister of Justice in an eventual government.
Building a Technical Team for the Second Round
Sánchez stated that he is currently evaluating social, political, and technical leadership to form a team for the second round of elections. He emphasized the need for these figures to have significant influence among the population.
Beyond the justice sector, Sánchez mentioned other potential roles. He named Hernando Cevallos, a JPP candidate for senator and former Minister of Health, as an option for the health portfolio. He placed economist and JPP Andean parliamentarian candidate Jorge Manco Zaconetti in the Energy and Mines sector.
The candidate also revealed he is in discussions with profiles from the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. These conversations aim to make the current economic regime “more social.”
Political Strategy and Controversies
These appointments come as Sánchez prepares for a potential runoff. According to the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE), with 96% of minutes counted as of 4:46 p.m., Sánchez held a lead of 23,896 votes over Rafael López Aliaga of Renovación Popular.
Sánchez has sought to distance himself from Antauro Humala, stating that while they share some coincidences—such as the idea of a constituent assembly—they do not agree on the death penalty. He clarified that Humala is not affiliated with his party and does not represent Juntos por el Perú.
Conflicting Analyst Perspectives
Luis Benavente, director of Vox Populi, suggested that these announcements may evidence “improvisation” in the campaign. He argued that the candidate appears to be conducting a “casting” process to fill gaps due to a lack of established cadres.
Benavente also questioned Pérez’s past independence, noting that he is now aligning with a candidate who may face Keiko Fujimori, the same person Pérez once investigated and accused as a prosecutor.
Conversely, political analyst Enrique Castillo viewed the move as a strategic attempt to unify the left. He suggested that Sánchez is using Pérez as a symbol to attract sectors that believe Fujimorism should face penal punishment and to demonstrate a capacity for dialogue beyond radical lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role could José Domingo Pérez play in a Roberto Sánchez government?
Roberto Sánchez has indicated that Pérez could lead a comprehensive reform of the justice system or potentially be appointed as the Minister of Justice.
Who are the other names mentioned for the potential cabinet?
Hernando Cevallos has been mentioned for the Ministry of Health, and Jorge Manco Zaconetti has been linked to the Energy and Mines sector.
What is the current legal status of José Domingo Pérez?
Pérez was suspended from his functions by the Public Ministry’s control body and was subsequently not ratified in his position by the National Board of Justice (JNJ).
Do you believe that appointing former prosecutors to lead judicial reforms helps or hinders the independence of the justice system?
