Sight the 2029 general elections, the legal expert criticized the AN’s Government Commission for approving—in the first round of debate—changes that raise private financing caps for certain candidacies, including amounts of up to $500,000 for deputies and mayors in some instances.

Speaking to the news channel TVN, De Obaldia warned that raising donation limits and reducing oversight could lead to greater opacity and lead the entry of funds into campaigns that originate from illicit sources or are intended to influence future political decisions.

“The biggest danger for us is the entry into politics of what we in the Transparency International movement call ‘dirty money’—funds coming from organized crime, corruption, or schemes seeking to capture political will—where, instead of a simple donation to a politician, the contribution becomes a precursor to corruption,” she stated.

As she explained, this could include funds derived from illicit activities or from schemes designed to subsequently influence those holding decision-making positions.

The civil society representative also criticized the transparency regarding the management of the Parliament’s staff and budget, as well as the use of budget reallocations, and called on citizens to monitor public information regarding appointments.

Bill 699—originally presented by the Electoral Tribunal following work by the National Commission on Electoral Reforms—was approved in the first debate with seven votes in favor and two against; it must now go to the legislative plenary for discussion in the second and third debates.

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