EU Election Observation Mission to Peru strengthened by fifty short-term observers

EU Election Observation Mission to Peru strengthened by fifty short-term observers

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) deploys 50 short-term observers today to follow the election day proceedings in all regions of Peru.

They will observe the opening of polling centres, voting, closing, as well as counting of the ballots and the tabulation of results. In line with EU election observation methodology, the new observers attended a three-day intensive training session in Lima prior to their deployment.

Deputy Chief Observer, Alexander Gray emphasised that "Members of our Mission will observe in all regions of the country and in both rural and urban areas. Their observations and reports throughout the day will be a critical element of our impartial and fact-based assessment of these important elections." The deployment of short-term observers builds on the work of 50 long-term observers, who have worked in all parts of Peru since mid-March, observing the pre-election environment, including preparations by the election administration, campaign activities, and voter education efforts. EU observers engage with electoral stakeholders across the political and civil society spectrum.

The EU EOM will be further reinforced by a delegation of Members of the European Parliament and 30 short-term observers recruited from the EU member states and partner countries' diplomatic missions to Peru. At full strength, the EU EOM will comprise more than 150 observers, drawn from all 27 EU member states, as well as Canada, Norway, and Switzerland.

On this deployment, the Deputy Chief Observer expressed his confidence that, "the European Union's presence will provide the Peruvian electorate with a solid foundation for increasing the credibility of the electoral process and will help ensure that the elections are conducted in a transparent and inclusive manner." He added that this effort reflects the European Union's ongoing commitment to strengthening democracy and supporting the electoral process in Peru.

The EU EOM arrived in Peru at the end of February with an initial group of ten experts based in Lima and will remain until the end of the electoral process, including a possible presidential run-off. The European Union was invited to observe the elections by the Government of Peru and the electoral authorities.

The Mission's preliminary findings will be shared at a press conference, on 14 April, in Lima. A final report, including recommendations aimed at improving future electoral processes, will be presented to the authorities and the wider Peruvian public after the completion of the entire electoral process.