As Peru’s presidential race tightens with leftist candidate Roberto Sánchez Palomino poised to advance to a runoff against Keiko Fujimori of Fuerza Popular, internal maneuvering within his coalition, Juntos por el Perú, has spotlighted a potential clash over key policy roles. At the center of the debate is Walter Ayala, a former defense minister under ousted President Pedro Castillo and a candidate for the Senate. Sources suggest Ayala’s expertise in defense and legal affairs—including his tenure as a judge in the Sala de Apelaciones de Pasco—could position him as a specialist in justice for Sánchez’s campaign team. However, his inclusion has sparked tensions, particularly over his past role in pushing for Castillo’s presidential pardon.
Why the Justice Portfolio Is a Flashpoint
Ayala’s name has surfaced as a possible addition to Juntos por el Perú’s technical team, which currently includes the ex-minister Anahí Durand, former prosecutor José Domingo Pérez, and economist David Tejada. Pérez, a former anti-corruption prosecutor, has openly stated his ambition to lead justice reform efforts—and even serve as justice minister in a potential Sánchez administration. His public declaration has drawn criticism from political analysts, who warn that such early positioning risks internal divisions before the runoff is decided.
Ernesto Zunini, the party’s secretary general, acknowledged Ayala’s professional credentials, noting his experience as a minister and his current role as a spokesperson. Yet Zunini emphasized that no final decisions have been made about sectoral assignments. “We’re presenting candidates with ethical and professional merit to support our proposals,” he said, adding that Ayala’s involvement would not be unprecedented, given his past candidacy and technical contributions.
Internal Divisions and Forward-Looking Implications
Analysts like Luis Benavente caution that the rivalry between Ayala’s supporters—primarily aligned with Castillo’s legacy—and Pérez’s backers could deepen factionalism within the coalition. Benavente described Pérez’s public remarks about aspiring to a ministerial post as “premature,” arguing that such declarations invite scrutiny and could undermine unity. “The technical team’s role is critical,” he noted, “as its members may later transition into a government transition team—potentially securing ministerial roles.”
For now, the team operates in a preliminary capacity, meeting three times weekly to refine Sánchez’s platform. Hernando Cevallos, a former Castillo minister and current team member, declined to confirm or deny Ayala’s potential inclusion, stating that specialized roles will only be assigned once the group is officially formalized. The party’s political spokesperson team, which includes Ayala alongside Zunini and congressmembers Jaime Quito and Margot Palacios, continues to focus on advocacy and technical commissions.
What Comes Next?
If Sánchez advances to the runoff, the technical team’s structure could evolve rapidly. A possible next step is the formalization of sectoral roles, with justice reform likely to remain a priority. Ayala’s inclusion—or exclusion—may hinge on whether Sánchez prioritizes continuity with Castillo’s allies or seeks to distance himself from that political chapter. Meanwhile, Pérez’s public ambitions could either solidify his standing within the party or provoke counter-moves from rivals seeking to preempt his influence.
One certainty is that the justice portfolio will remain a battleground. With Fujimori’s Fuerza Popular framing itself as a bulwark against perceived corruption, Sánchez’s team will need to demonstrate both technical rigor and political cohesion to counter that narrative. The coming weeks will reveal whether Juntos por el Perú can reconcile its internal divisions—or if the justice debate becomes a liability in the final stretch of the campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Walter Ayala officially part of Juntos por el Perú’s technical team?
No. While his name has been mentioned as a possible addition, party officials have not confirmed his inclusion. Current members include Anahí Durand, José Domingo Pérez, Jorge Manco Zaconetti, and David Tejada.
2. What role would Ayala play if he joined the team?
Sources suggest he could serve as a specialist in justice, leveraging his legal background and prior role as a judge in Pasco. However, no formal assignment has been announced.
3. Why is José Domingo Pérez’s public statement about wanting to be justice minister controversial?
Political analysts argue that declaring ministerial ambitions before the runoff risks appearing opportunistic and could provoke internal rivalries. Such moves are seen as premature in a campaign still undecided.
As Peru’s election enters its final phase, how do you see the balance between technical expertise and political loyalty shaping the next government’s priorities?
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