Peru election marred by over 100 incidents, 72 arrests

Peruvian authorities reported a significant number of electoral incidents and arrests during the recent presidential election's second round. The Public Prosecutor's Office stated that 116 criminal incidents were recorded, leading to the detention of 72 individuals suspected of electoral offenses.

The reported irregularities spanned various categories, including 86 cases related to ballot papers, 19 instances of identity impersonation, and three cases of disseminating prohibited political propaganda. Other incidents involved the destruction or seizure of electoral materials, discrimination, and incitement to discrimination. Most arrests occurred in the northern Lima area, Callao, and the coastal regions of Ica and La Libertad.

These detentions are linked to offenses such as prohibited electoral propaganda, vote inducement, violations of the "dry law" prohibiting alcohol sales, resistance to authority, and voter impersonation. The Public Ministry also highlighted its preventive actions, executing 18,407 measures nationwide between May 28 and June 8 to ensure order and the lawful exercise of suffrage.

The election itself was exceptionally close, with leftist candidate Roberto Sánchez securing a narrow victory over right-wing contender Keiko Fujimori. With 97.8% of ballots counted, Sánchez held a lead of just under 5,000 votes, underscoring the tight contest.