In the framework of the post-electoral stage of the general elections in Peru, the Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) of the Organization of American States (OAS) maintained a technical deployment of ten observers and specialists in the departments of Lima, La Libertad, Arequipa, Cajamarca, Piura, and Junín, as well as in the constituency for Peruvians residing abroad (PEX), in order to follow up on the post-electoral phase. Through direct observation at the Decentralized Offices of Electoral Processes (ODPE), the Special Electoral Juries (JEE), and the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE), the Mission monitored, among other aspects, the retrieval of electoral materials, the tabulation of tally sheets, the resolution of contested tally sheets, the issuance of judicial decisions, and public hearings for vote recounts.
The OAS/EOM takes note of the agreement adopted unanimously by the National Jury of Elections (JNE) regarding the unfeasibility of holding complementary elections within the framework of the 2026 presidential process, in response to requests from political sectors in the country. In this regard, the Mission underscores the importance of this decision and of ensuring the integrity of the ongoing process, as well as full respect for the will of the people expressed by millions of Peruvians at the polls, both within the country and abroad.
As stated by the OAS/EOM in its first report on the April 12 election day, it is imperative to technically identify with precision the causes of the delays in the delivery of electoral materials in some areas of Metropolitan Lima. Nevertheless, the Mission observes with concern the media exposure of these processes and investigations and their possible use as tools of political polarization. The OAS/EOM considers it essential to guarantee due process for the officials under investigation, ensuring that any allegations are supported by material evidence and resolved in the appropriate legal instances, avoiding summary judgments in public opinion or on social media. The Mission urges the competent authorities to conduct these inquiries with the utmost prudence and adherence to institutional norms, prioritizing legal rigor over media confrontation in order to safeguard confidence in the Peruvian electoral system.
Finally, the OAS/EOM confirms that it will return to observe the presidential runoff with a team of more than 90 specialists and observers deployed throughout the country.
Reference: E-051/26
