Peruvian Government Allocates $29.4 Million for Local Elections

Peru's government, led by Keiko Fujimori since July 28, has allocated 99.7 million soles (about $29.4 million) to finance the upcoming regional and municipal elections on October 4. The decree, published in the official gazette, designates 15.6 million soles for the National Elections Jury (JNE) and 84.1 million soles for the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE).

This funding comes after electoral authorities warned in early July that the elections were at risk due to a lack of financial support from the executive branch. At the time, JNE President Roberto Burneo expressed serious concern over a deficit of 589.52 million soles ($173.4 million).

The previous transitional government had assured that ensuring the elections' normal development was a "principal priority," but stressed that financial resources would be provided in line with fiscal responsibility. The new allocation from Fujimori's administration aims to cover expenses from the Ministry of Economy and Finance's contingency reserve, as stipulated in the 2026 public budget law.

Peruvians are set to elect 25 regional governors, 364 regional councilors, 196 provincial mayors, 1,696 district mayors, and a large number of provincial and district councilors. These local elections conclude a significant electoral year for Peru, which began with general elections in April and a presidential runoff in June that saw Fujimori elected for the 2026-2031 term.