M&T Corporation del Perú SAC, known as M&T International, the firm tasked with the IT audit of the 2026 general elections, was previously penalized by the state in 2016. The company is responsible for auditing critical systems for the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE), including the Electoral Computation System and the Web Results Presentation System.
Past Sanctions and Controversies
A report by the program Cuarto Poder revealed that the OSCE tribunal sanctioned the firm in 2016. The company faced an 11-month disqualification for “having presented inaccurate information” during a state contracting process.
Eric Morán Añasco, a representative for M&T International, has acknowledged the existence of the resolution. However, he characterized the sanction as an “injustice.”
Scope of Work and Contract Extension
The firm’s audit responsibilities extend to the Technological Solution for Scrutiny Support (STAE) and other key electoral systems. According to its own website, the company provides services in AI, digital transformation, and cybersecurity.
Elisa Cabrera, the sub-manager of Information Systems at ONPE, confirmed that the partnership will continue. She stated that an addendum was signed to extend M&T International’s contract to cover the second round of the presidential elections.
Potential Implications
The revelation of the 2016 sanction could lead to increased scrutiny of the audit reports produced for the 2026 elections. This may result in calls for further verification of the results presented by the firm.
the use of a contract addendum to maintain the same firm for the second round may prompt debates over whether a new bidding process should have been considered given the company’s history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific systems is M&T International auditing for ONPE?
The company is auditing the Technological Solution for Scrutiny Support (STAE), the Electoral Computation System, and the Web Results Presentation System.
Why was M&T International penalized in 2016?
The OSCE tribunal issued an 11-month disqualification because the firm “had presented inaccurate information” during a state contracting process.
Will the company be involved in the presidential second round?
Yes, ONPE sub-manager Elisa Cabrera confirmed that an addendum was signed to extend the company’s contract for the second round of the presidential elections.
Do you believe a company’s past administrative sanctions should disqualify them from auditing national election technology?
