Bernardo Pachas Serrano has assumed the role of interim head of Peru’s National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE) following the resignation of Piero Corvetto, who stepped down after logistical failures during the first round of the 2026 general elections held on April 12.
Pachas, who previously served as the ONPE’s general manager since September 2020, took on the interim leadership role in accordance with institutional succession protocols, pending the selection of a permanent head by the National Justice Board (JNJ). His appointment was confirmed in a press conference on April 22, 2026, where he emphasized continuity in electoral operations and pledged to implement corrective measures to avoid repeating the logistical issues that disrupted the first vote.
During his remarks, Pachas stated that the ONPE had already begun administrative actions against personnel involved in the April 12 failures and was working to strengthen procurement transparency by inviting the Office of the Comptroller General to oversee acquisition processes. He also affirmed that the electoral timetable remains unchanged, with the second round of voting scheduled for June 7, 2026.
“We are taking corrective actions in other areas to provide better electoral service on the path to the second presidential election,” Pachas said, as reported by RPP. “Despite the departure of Piero Corvetto, we must continue the work. This is a message of reassurance to the public and all those who make election day possible.”
His background in law and electoral management, including years of service within the ONPE’s operational structure, positioned him as the natural successor under internal succession rules. According to Infobae Perú, Pachas has been a key figure in the institution’s administration, bringing experience in legal affairs and process oversight to the interim leadership role.
The ONPE continues to manage the logistical and organizational demands of the upcoming runoff, which will determine Peru’s next president. Pachas emphasized that his team is implementing improvements to prevent a recurrence of the distribution, transmission, and ballot-handling problems observed in the first round, particularly in Lima and other high-density voting areas.
He also noted that the institution remains committed to transparency and institutional integrity, especially amid ongoing scrutiny of the electoral process. The involvement of the Comptroller General’s office in monitoring procurement is intended to bolster public confidence in the fairness and legality of electoral operations.
As of April 23, 2026, the ONPE under Pachas’ interim leadership is focused on finalizing preparations for the June 7 vote, including the distribution of electoral materials, training of polling station staff, and coordination with the National Electoral Jury (JNE) to ensure timely vote counting and result dissemination.
The next official step in the leadership transition will be the JNJ’s selection of a permanent ONPE head, a process that will follow established legal and institutional timelines. Until then, Pachas retains authority to direct the institution’s operations and represent it in official capacities.
For ongoing updates on Peru’s electoral process, including official schedules, procedural guidelines, and institutional announcements, readers are encouraged to consult the ONPE’s official website and the publications of the National Justice Board and National Electoral Jury.
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