Peru opposition calls for military role in runoff after poll issues

Speaking to the media, Galarreta said authorities should push for a change in how electoral documents are handled, arguing that the military should once again oversee the delivery and custody of tally sheets rather than leaving the task to civilian contractors. He also said ONPE chief Piero Corvetto should not remain in charge of the electoral body for the runoff. His remarks came after widespread delays and operational problems during Peru’s April 12 general election, Viory reports.

Galarreta said the Armed Forces had previously managed the task without major incident and suggested they could also be allowed to vote earlier, with their ballots kept secure until counting begins. He framed the proposal as a practical response to the setbacks seen in the first round.

His comments follow complaints over the conduct of the election, which was extended into a second day in some places because of ballot delays and other logistical disruptions. International observers from the European Union found problems in the process but said there was no credible evidence of fraud, despite allegations from some candidates.

With most votes counted, Fujimori was leading the race with just under 17% of the vote, ahead of Roberto Sánchez, setting up a runoff on June 7 after no candidate came close to an outright majority.

Galarreta also rejected claims that Peru’s democratic order had broken down, pointing instead to the findings of international observer missions, which highlighted administrative failures but did not back accusations that the vote had been manipulated.