Peru Election: Sánchez Alleges "Fraud in Development," Vows Not to Recognize Fujimori

Leftist presidential candidate Roberto Sánchez has alleged "fraud in development" in Peru's election, vowing not to recognize his rival Keiko Fujimori as president. Sánchez made the claims without presenting evidence, focusing his accusations on the handling of overseas votes.

Sánchez requested the annulment of votes cast abroad, citing a violation of electoral rules. He argues that changes to vote protection protocols for the second round, specifically the physical transport of ballots to Lima for counting, could alter the outcome. While Fujimori currently holds a slim lead with 50.11% of the vote compared to Sánchez's 49.88% after 99.71% of ballots are tallied, Sánchez contends that excluding overseas votes would reverse the results in his favor.

The candidate claims the process for overseas votes was "gravely affected" because consulates were not allowed to digitally transmit results. Instead, physical ballots were sent to Lima for counting, a change he attributes to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which he suggests is aligned with Fujimori's party. Sánchez alleges this process lacked guarantees against manipulation.

Despite international election observation missions finding no suspicious irregularities, Sánchez insists that "manipulation of this vote has occurred in favor of the party Fuerza Popular, of Mrs. Keiko Fujimori." He urged the National Elections Jury (JNE) to halt the ongoing vote count, stating that the integrity of electoral regulations has been violated. Sánchez warned that if the JNE does not act to ensure legal security, the fraud will be consummated, and he will not recognize Fujimori's government, vowing to pursue democratic struggle within legal and constitutional bounds.

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si el JNE no resuelve en atención a la seguridad jurídica, ese fraude se habrá consumado