Yarrow's proposal aims to prohibit applications from convicted individuals in Peru.

The recent proposal by Congresswoman Norma Yarrow, a representative of the Renovación Popular party, has stirred controversy in the Peruvian political arena by seeking to prohibit individuals with a first-instance conviction from running for elected office. This initiative is presented as a measure aimed at promoting suitability and transparency in the electoral process, aspects that have been criticized on various occasions in the country’s political context. The proposed law establishes that any first-instance conviction resulting in a custodial sentence, whether effective or suspended, against members of a political party, such as founders, directors, or representatives, will lead to the inability to register that party in the electoral registry. This measure seeks to ensure that only those without criminal records or disqualifications can run for office, marking a step towards greater ethics in political practice. In addition to the prohibition on candidacy, political parties will be required to submit a "negative certificate of criminal, police, and judicial records" when applying for registration. This requirement extends to all relevant members of the party, including treasurers and representatives. Yarrow emphasized that this strategy aims to promote a culture of transparency and accountability within political organizations. Furthermore, the founding charter of each party must include a declaration certifying that none of its leaders have first-instance convictions. This measure intends to foster a serious commitment from parties towards legality and ethics, which are fundamental elements for a healthy democracy. However, the proposal is not without criticism. Some sectors have expressed concern about how this law could impact the plurality of the Peruvian political system. The exclusion of candidates with criminal records might limit the representation of certain segments of the population who, despite having made mistakes in the past, could bring valuable experiences and perspectives to politics. Yarrow has argued that allowing individuals with criminal records to run for office undermines public trust in the political system. In her statements, the congresswoman indicated that politics should be a field where ethics and integrity are valued, and that the presence of individuals with convictions could undermine political representation and perpetuate social dissatisfaction. The initiative also proposes specific changes to several articles of Law No. 28094, which regulates political organizations in Peru. These changes focus on establishing stricter criteria regarding the suitability of candidates, which could compel parties to evaluate their members more carefully. The debate on this proposal has already begun in Congress, and it is expected to generate a wide variety of opinions and viewpoints. While some celebrate the possibility of cleaner and more responsible politics, others warn about the need for inclusion and the potential for this measure to become a barrier to political participation. In this regard, the context of Peruvian politics, marked by corruption scandals and questioning of various political actors, plays a decisive role in the reception of this proposal. Civil society is closely watching the decisions made in Congress, as the future of political representation is at stake. Norma Yarrow's proposal could be considered a step forward in the pursuit of more ethical and transparent politics. However, it is essential to ensure a balance between the exclusion of those who have committed crimes and the inclusion of diverse voices in the political arena. The response from Congress and the public will be crucial in determining the course of this initiative and its impact on the Peruvian democratic system.