Peruvian police arrested José Samamé Blas, a top manager at the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE), for his role in a logistics failure that disrupted recent elections. Agents from the National Police's Anti-Corruption Directorate detained the official following delays in the delivery of voting materials that impacted 60,000 voters.
Authorities arrested Samamé Blas on suspicion of omission, refusal, or delay of official duties. The police department stated the operation was carried out "in strict compliance with the law, as part of the fight against corruption."
Investigators say Samamé Blas requested transportation services from Servicios Generales Galaga, a company owned by Juan Alvarado Pfuyo. According to reports from La República, the official authorized the contract despite the provider facing serious sanctions for previous non-compliance with the ONPE.
Election disruptions in Lima
The arrest follows widespread reports of logistical failures during last Sunday's election day. Thousands of citizens reported significant delays in the opening of polling stations because essential electoral materials failed to arrive.
The crisis was most acute in southern Lima, where a total absence of ballots, registries, and voting cards forced authorities to suspend voting at several schools. Officials rescheduled these polls for Monday, April 13, following widespread frustration among voters.
Before his arrest, Samamé Blas submitted a resignation letter to ONPE head Piero Corvetto Salinas. In the document, the official admitted to the logistical failures that hindered the deployment of materials in the capital.
“Being in charge of the management responsible for said distribution tasks, I recognize the responsibility and deeply regret what happened,” Samamę Blas wrote.
The National Board of Justice (JNJ) has also launched a preliminary investigation into ONPE chief Piero Corvetto. The board voted unanimously to probe the official following public complaints regarding the 2026 general election preparations.
The JNJ announced it would also request a detailed report regarding Corvetto's ratification process to assist in its constitutional analysis.
