Perus Election Authorities Face Pressure Over Presidential Race Delay

Peru’s Presidential Election Vote Count Continues Amid Delays and Allegations

The vote count in Peru’s presidential election is ongoing, with the outcome still uncertain. As of Friday, no clear challenger has emerged to face conservative frontrunner Keiko Fujimori in the June 7 run-off. The general election was held on Sunday, but an extension was granted due to difficulties in ballot distribution.

Complaints over errors and logistical problems during the election have been raised, with pressure mounting against Piero Corvetto, head of Peru’s National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE). Business leaders and lawmakers from across the political spectrum have called for Corvetto to step down, citing concerns over the integrity of the vote count.

According to the ONPE, leftist Roberto Sanchez and ultraconservative former Lima Mayor Rafael Lopez Aliaga are locked in a close battle for second place, separated by about 13,000 votes. Fujimori remains firmly in first place with 17 percent of the vote. The final results could take up to two weeks to be confirmed.

The vote counting has been delayed due to approximately 5 percent of ballots that require review due to missing information or errors in polling station records. These ballots will be reviewed by a special electoral jury before being included in the final count. An investigation is also underway after materials from four polling stations were found on a public road in Lima.

The National Jury of Elections has filed a criminal complaint with prosecutors against Corvetto, citing alleged offences, including violations of voting rights. European Union election observers have stated that they found no evidence of fraud. The outcome of the election remains uncertain as the vote count continues.

Source: Al Jazeera