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Fujimori tells Sánchez to 'read the law better' after recount request
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Elections & Politics

Fujimori tells Sánchez to 'read the law better' after recount request

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • Keiko Fujimori stated that Roberto Sánchez should better understand electoral law after his request for a vote recount.
  • Sánchez had proposed a joint request for a total recount, citing alleged irregularities in certain areas.
  • Fujimori rejected the proposal, explaining that only observed ballots can be recounted according to current electoral regulations.

Peruvian presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori has advised her opponent, Roberto Sánchez, to "read the electoral law better" following his call for a joint vote recount. The tight presidential race, with Sánchez narrowly trailing Fujimori, has led to a dispute over electoral procedures.

you should read the electoral law better

— Keiko FujimoriResponding to Roberto Sánchez's request for a vote recount.

As of the latest official report from the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE), Fujimori holds a slim lead with 50.024% of the vote, compared to Sánchez's 49.976%. This narrow margin has fueled Sánchez's request for a comprehensive recount, particularly in areas where he claims transparency concerns exist.

Sánchez had proposed that both candidates jointly request a full recount, alleging that Fujimori's party, Fuerza Popular, aims to annul votes from the southern regions. His party has also pointed to potential irregularities in Lima and overseas voting, seeking to invalidate several ballot boxes.

they (Fujimori's Fuerza Popular party) want to annul the votes from the south.

— Roberto SánchezAlleging political motives behind Fujimori's stance on vote counting.

However, Fujimori dismissed Sánchez's proposal on Saturday, asserting that a recount is not provided for under current electoral regulations. Speaking to local media, she clarified that only ballots flagged by the Decentralized Electoral Processes Office (ODPE) are eligible for recounting. "It is important to clarify the rules. Democracy is based on rules, norms, and the Constitution," Fujimori stated.

It is important to clarify the rules. Democracy is based on rules, norms, and the Constitution. Only those ballots observed can go through a recount, and who can observe? Only the ODPE.

— Keiko FujimoriExplaining the legal basis for vote recounts in Peru.

She further explained that state institutions are responsible for requesting and finalizing vote counts. "I think what Juntos por el Perú has lacked is to read the law and the regulations better; it is very clear in Article 10 of the Electoral Law," she added. Fujimori urged calm while awaiting the final official results, which will be determined after electoral juries resolve approximately 1,490 disputed ballots. She also expressed openness to dialogue with all political forces, including Sánchez, once the pending electoral procedures conclude.

I think what Juntos por el Perú has lacked is to read the law and the regulations better; it is very clear in Article 10 of the Electoral Law.

— Keiko FujimoriCritiquing Sánchez's understanding of electoral procedures.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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