Roberto Sánchez accuses U.S. ambassador of intervening in Peru's elections

Former Peruvian leftist presidential candidate Roberto Sánchez has accused the U.S. ambassador to Peru, Bernie Navarro, of interfering in the country's general elections. Sánchez alleged that Navarro "stuck his nose in" electoral matters, asserting that the ambassador should have maintained neutrality and respected Peru's sovereignty.

Speaking at a press conference, Sánchez detailed his party's challenges, claiming they faced numerous disadvantages compared to his rival, Keiko Fujimori. He stated that his party won the second round of the presidential vote within Peru by a slim margin of 50.08%, but Fujimori ultimately secured victory with 50.13% of the global vote, boosted by votes from Peruvians residing overseas.

Sánchez further alleged that international companies actively campaigned for Fujimori. He specifically criticized Navarro's actions, noting that the ambassador was the only one to meet with members of the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE) before the elections and participated as an electoral observer. Sánchez implied that the electoral system itself was asymmetric and favored his opponent.

Despite the electoral outcome, Sánchez asserted that "Peru is painted green," referencing the color of his party, Juntos por el Perú. He highlighted that his party's support was strong across 16 of the country's 24 regions. He also suggested that the electoral justice and system in Peru "had the help of the United States," without providing further specifics.