Peru Election Chaos: Police Raid Former Election Chief’s Home Amid Vote Count Delays

In Lima, Peru, police raided the home of Piero Corvetto, the former head of the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE), amid mounting frustration over the slow vote count in the April 12 presidential election. The raids also targeted other election officials and a private company involved in ballot transportation.

The prolonged delay in finalizing election results has sparked accusations of fraud and wrongdoing, although the European Union’s election mission found no evidence of fraud. The political tension is escalating as candidates dispute the legitimacy of the vote count, with final results expected by mid-May.

Raids Target Former Election Officials and Ballot Transport Company

On Friday, anticorruption police executed judicial warrants to search the homes of Piero Corvetto and five other election officials, as well as offices of Galaga, a private company responsible for transporting election ballots. Authorities seized mobile phones, laptops, and documents as part of the investigation.

Corvetto resigned earlier in the week, denying any irregularities and expressing hope that his departure would restore public trust. His lawyer confirmed that while a judge authorized the raid, prosecutors’ request for Corvetto’s preliminary detention was denied.

Election Delays Fuel Accusations and Political Tensions

Delays in ballot deliveries forced voting extensions in some areas, contributing to a slow vote count that has yet to be finalized weeks after the election. This has led to accusations of electoral fraud, particularly from presidential candidate Rafael Lopez Aliaga, who has called the process a “unique electoral fraud” without presenting evidence.

• Keiko Fujimori leads with 17% of the vote, virtually securing a run-off spot.
• Roberto Sanchez holds second place with 12.03%.
• Rafael Lopez Aliaga trails closely in third with 11.9%, disputing the results.

The narrow margin between Sanchez and Lopez Aliaga has intensified political disputes, with Lopez Aliaga vowing to pursue Corvetto relentlessly.

European Union Observers Find No Evidence of Fraud

Despite the accusations, the European Union’s election mission reported no indications of fraud in the electoral process. The mission’s findings contrast sharply with the claims made by some candidates, underscoring the polarized political climate in Peru.

“I hope my resignation will help restore public confidence in the electoral process,” said Piero Corvetto, former head of ONPE.—Piero Corvetto

What’s Next: Awaiting Final Results Amid Rising Uncertainty

With 95% of ballots tallied, the final official results are anticipated by May 15. Meanwhile, political tensions remain high as candidates and supporters await the outcome. The ongoing investigations and public scrutiny highlight the challenges Peru faces in ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process.