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Ex-candidate Roberto Sánchez calls Fujimori's presidential win in Peru illegitimate

From El Nacional · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Former presidential candidate Roberto Sánchez declared Keiko Fujimori's victory in Peru's election illegitimate.
  • Sánchez announced he will lead a patriotic front to reclaim democracy and demanded an investigation into protest deaths.
  • He also called for the repeal of 'pro-crime' laws and the release of former President Pedro Castillo.

Former presidential candidate Roberto Sánchez has declared Keiko Fujimori's victory in Peru's presidential election illegitimate, vowing to lead a patriotic front to restore democracy. Sánchez, who lost the runoff election to the right-wing Fujimori, stated that her government "is born with a profound illegitimacy, a profound distrust, with a rejection by the majority of the territories of Peru."

We thank the more than 9 million compatriots (who voted for us) with democratic conviction to restore democracy, give justice to the martyrs of the south, repeal the 'pro-crime laws' and achieve the freedom of our president Pedro Castillo, with an ethical demand for reparation in the face of Peruvian coup-mongering present in Parliament.

— Roberto SánchezSánchez thanked his voters and outlined his demands for justice and the release of former President Pedro Castillo.

Speaking at his party headquarters, Juntos por el Perú, Sánchez thanked supporters and asserted that Fujimori's win was not representative of the country's will. He highlighted his own regional victories, claiming he won in 16 out of 24 regions. Sánchez emphasized his commitment to democratic principles, stating, "The left has consolidated a democratic conviction more strongly to be a project. It is now anchored in the legitimacy of the vote and the popular victory that Peru has given us today."

Sánchez presented a list of urgent demands for Fujimori's incoming administration. He called for an independent commission to investigate the deaths of approximately 50 people during anti-government protests in 2022 and 2023, seeking accountability for political authorities who allegedly permitted excessive force. "While that is not on the table with political will to identify, sanction, and repair with the families themselves, there is nothing to discuss," he stated.

Fujimori's government is born with a profound illegitimacy, a profound distrust, with a rejection by the majority of the territories of Peru.

— Roberto SánchezSánchez stated his view on the legitimacy of Keiko Fujimori's presidential victory.

Furthermore, Sánchez demanded the repeal of laws he termed 'pro-crime,' which he claims have fueled organized crime over the past two years. He also reiterated calls for the release of former President Pedro Castillo, who was impeached and detained. Sánchez warned that without addressing these priorities, his movement would not trust Fujimori's government and would continue to fight for "justice, dignity, and sovereignty."

While that is not on the table with political will to identify, sanction, and repair with the families themselves, there is nothing to discuss.

— Roberto SánchezSánchez demanded accountability for deaths during protests before engaging with Fujimori's government.

The former candidate also confirmed that his campaign had challenged the election results due to alleged irregularities. "There has not been total transparency, traceability, and they changed the rules of the game days before the second round," Sánchez said, referring to changes in the vote counting process for Peruvians abroad. He indicated that they have appealed to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) regarding these concerns.

There has not been total transparency, traceability, and they changed the rules of the game days before the second round.

— Roberto SánchezSánchez explained why his campaign challenged the election results.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.