Lima, Peru – Delia Espinoza, the former Attorney General, has been elected the latest dean of the Lima Bar Association (CAL), marking a significant shift in leadership for the prominent legal organization. The election, held on March 14, 2026, saw Espinoza secure a decisive victory over Humberto Abanto, garnering 29,371 votes to Abanto’s 16,591, according to official results. This election of Delia Espinoza to the Colegio de Abogados de Lima represents a pivotal moment for the legal community in Peru.
The outcome of the election, which included 303 blank votes and 2,636 null votes for a total participation of 48,901 members, confirms a trend observed throughout the day as vote tallies were reported. Abanto publicly acknowledged Espinoza’s lead and extended his congratulations, demonstrating a spirit of acceptance following the closely contested race. The election results signal a desire for change within the CAL and a renewed focus on institutional strengthening.
Espinoza’s Victory and Abanto’s Concession
As the vote count progressed, Espinoza maintained a consistent advantage, ultimately solidifying her position as the new head of the legal guild for the 2026-2027 term. Following the preliminary results, Abanto approached Espinoza to offer his congratulations, stating, “Un gran abrazo, ahora celebre usted por mí, estamos todos contentos con el resultado” – “A large hug, now you celebrate for me, we are all happy with the result.” He then withdrew from the voting location, signaling his acceptance of the outcome.
The election process wasn’t without incident. Reports surfaced of disturbances as lawyers attempted to enter the National University of San Marcos to participate in the voting, leading to temporary closures of access points and restrictions on movement. Earlier in the day, sources indicated the possible distribution of bottled water with political propaganda near voting locations, though these actions did not significantly disrupt the overall process.
Plans for the Future of the CAL
In exclusive remarks to La República, Espinoza expressed gratitude for the high voter turnout and the mutual respect shown throughout the campaign. “My first words are of thanks to all colleagues who attended massively. To those who gave us their trust and also to those who supported Dr. Abanto. Now we all must work together,” she stated. She emphasized the importance of the internal process in strengthening the institution of the legal profession, stating, “Democracy has been reaffirmed in our college and we are a reflection to the population and to all of Peru.”
Espinoza announced her intention to commission an audit to assess the financial standing of the CAL, stating, “Taking the reins of the deanship we will establish, with cash flow and accounting expertise, how the economy of the college is. From there we will deploy the platforms of our work plan.” She also plans to promote the institutionalization of electronic voting as part of administrative reforms.
Addressing the national political landscape ahead of upcoming general elections, Espinoza urged citizens to participate responsibly in the voting process. “It is important that we all go to vote and choose well the people who will receive their trust. We demand authorities who are upright, ethical and with an impeccable trajectory to lead the country,” she said, linking the outcome of the CAL election to the broader public debate surrounding the upcoming electoral processes.
Support from Former Leadership
Raúl Canelo, the former dean of the Lima Bar Association, publicly welcomed Espinoza’s victory. He stated that the results reflect the members’ support for the measures taken during his administration to reform the institutional leadership of the organization. Canelo affirmed that his administration had focused on “cleaning and sanitizing the institution,” eliminating practices that had persisted for decades. He believes Espinoza’s leadership represents a continuation of these changes, stating, “It was necessary to build continuity on the foundations that have been laid. This result not only makes her a winner, it also means an institutional triumph for the college and for those who bet on its strengthening.”
As Delia Espinoza prepares to assume her role as dean, the focus will be on implementing her vision for the Colegio de Abogados de Lima. The coming months will be crucial in determining the direction of the organization and its impact on the Peruvian legal system. The CAL’s next steps, particularly regarding the financial audit and the implementation of electronic voting, will be closely watched by members and the wider legal community.
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