Sánchez Supporters March in Lima Demanding Transparency in Peru Election

Hundreds of supporters for leftist presidential candidate Roberto Sánchez marched through Lima, demanding transparency in the ongoing vote count of Peru's closely contested election against right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori.

The march, under heavy police escort, aimed to reject any potential victory by Fujimori, leader of Fuerza Popular. With 98.552% of the ballots counted, Fujimori holds a narrow lead of about 18,500 votes, securing 50.051% compared to Sánchez's 49.949%.

Peruvians await the resolution of 1,340 disputed, observed, or materially erroneous vote tallies by special electoral juries. This process is expected to take several days, possibly weeks. Sánchez's party, Juntos por el Perú, has raised concerns about alleged irregularities at voting stations, particularly in northern regions where Fujimori has stronger support, as well as in overseas polling centers.

Protesters gathered in Lima's Plaza San Martín, moving towards the headquarters of the National Jury of Elections (JNE). They carried signs depicting Fujimori negatively and expressed their opposition to a potential government led by the daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori. Juntos por el Perú also criticized the Municipality of Lima for allegedly restricting access to the historic center, calling it an "arbitrary, unconstitutional, and illegal political response."

The demonstration included supporters from various regions and families of victims from anti-government protests in late 2022 and early 2023, who backed former President Pedro Castillo, whom Sánchez has promised to release from prison. Similar protests occurred in other cities, including Chiclayo, Arequipa, Puno, and Ayacucho.