The Judiciary’s Preliminary Investigation Court is currently reviewing a request for the preliminary detention of Piero Corvetto, the former head of the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE), and several other officials. The request follows alleged irregularities during the organization of the 2026 General Elections.
Fiscalía Seeks Preliminary Detention
The request was formalized by the Fifth Office of the Second Provincial Corporate Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Corruption of Officials in Lima. The Public Ministry is investigating presumed crimes against public administration, specifically aggravated collusion.
The investigation centers on inconsistencies in the bidding process for the deployment and retrieval of electoral materials. This legal move follows a recommendation from the National Police’s Division for the Investigation of Crimes Against Public Administration (Dircocor), which suggested a seven-day preliminary detention for the implicated officials.
Fiscal de la Nación Tomás Gálvez confirmed that the detention request targets Corvetto and various other ONPE officials. The court could resolve the matter as early as Thursday.
Allegations of Bidding Irregularities
The core of the investigation involves the company Galaga S.A.C., which was awarded a contract worth more than S/ 6.3 million for the distribution of electoral materials. Evidence suggests that Galaga S.A.C. Had previously been penalized by ONPE on three separate occasions for breach of contract.
Prosecutors allege that other bidders offered lower costs for the service, yet the requirements for the contracted vehicles were altered, effectively benefiting Galaga S.A.C. As part of the probe, Dircocor has been tasked with reviewing the computer equipment used by officials including Juan Antonio Phang Sánchez, José Samané Blas, and Hilda Otoya Alvarado.
Response and Legal Actions
In response to the escalating legal pressure, Piero Corvetto visited the National Police’s Prefectura de Lima in Central Lima accompanied by his legal team. His lawyer, Ricardo Sánchez, stated that the visit was intended to request personal guarantees for Corvetto and his family.
At this time, the court has not issued a decision regarding the detention request. It remains unclear whether Corvetto is officially being treated as a suspect or if he maintains the status of a witness.
Preparations for the Second Round
Bernardo Pachas Serrano has assumed the role of interim head of ONPE. He recently announced that the office is working to finalize the scrutiny and resolution of outstanding electoral acts.
A total of 50,983 observed acts have been sent to the Special Electoral Juries (JEE). This includes 5,664 for the presidential election, 12,903 for senators in a single district, 9,539 for senators in multiple districts, 11,902 for the chamber of deputies, and 10,975 for the Andean Parliament.
To increase transparency, the interim leadership plans to request the accompaniment of the Comptroller General of the Republic (Contraloría) or the internal control office for all future selection processes and acquisitions of goods and services.
Coordination with the National Jury of Elections (JNE) is ongoing for the second round of the presidential election, scheduled for June 7. The processing of presidential acts is tentatively expected to conclude this Friday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the former head of ONPE facing a detention request?
The request is based on an investigation into aggravated collusion and irregularities in the bidding process for electoral material deployment, specifically regarding a contract awarded to Galaga S.A.C.
What was the impact of the logistics failures on April 12?
Thirteen voting centers did not receive their materials, which affected roughly 60,000 voters who were forced to vote the following day.
When is the second round of the presidential election scheduled?
The second round is scheduled to take place on June 7.
Do you believe external oversight from the Contraloría is sufficient to restore public confidence in the upcoming second round of elections?
