The Alarming Profiles of Congressional Candidates
A recent investigation by End Point has unveiled disturbing details about several candidates vying for seats in the upcoming Chamber of Deputies. The report highlights not only videos featuring weapons but also serious allegations, including death threats and convictions for aggravated robbery, casting doubt on the candidates’ fitness for public office.
Rolando Cueva García: A Controversial Figure
The candidate generating the most concern is Rolando Cueva García, who is running as number 21 for Lima under the Good Government party, led by Jorge Nieto Montesinos. In concerning footage circulated by a local newspaper, Cueva, an Electronic Engineering graduate, is shown holding a firearm, simulating acts of violence against an imaginary target. Other videos depict him engaging in reckless behavior, such as drinking beer while being driven in a moving vehicle.
More troubling is Cueva’s financial dealings; he manages Promayers Energy SAC, which has received over 2.5 million soles from government contracts, with 1.7 million sourced from the National University of Engineering (UNI), where Cueva once served on the Board of Directors.
Death Threat Allegations
In July 2023, a former student from UNI officially accused Cueva of issuing death threats. According to police reports, Cueva and his associates confronted the complainant, demanding that he cease his inquiries into their government contracts, warning that dire consequences awaited him and his family. The victim reported feeling genuinely threatened, bolstered by Cueva’s online behavior.
In response to these allegations, Cueva defended himself by claiming the firearm was merely a “pistol-type lighter” and labeled the video an “irresponsible joke.” Concerning the death threat allegations, he contended, “I did not participate in anything… it is a conflict between other people.” Despite the scandal, Cueva’s name will remain on the ballot due to the missed resignation deadline.
Candidates with Criminal Convictions
In addition to Cueva, the investigation uncovered three other candidates implicated in crimes against property:
- Diana Carhuamaca García (Federal Democratic Party – Lima): This candidate declared a conviction for aggravated robbery on her application. In 2018, she was caught with stolen clothing by saleswomen in a gallery.
- Alessandra Olivera Sánchez (Popular Cooperation – Cusco): As the current president of her party’s National Disciplinary Committee, she admitted to a simple theft conviction in 2017, involving the theft of clothes recognized via surveillance footage.
- Second Ticlla (Popular Force – Cajamarca): A former mayor facing a suspended four-year prison sentence for aggravated robbery, with ongoing legal issues, including a requisition for ideological falsehood.
Conclusion
Clearly, the lack of vetting processes for candidates crosses ideological lines. With the candidate lists finalized and deadlines passed, it falls to the electorate to make informed decisions when they cast their votes this April 12.