The European Union mission strengthened by fifty short-term observers to follow the presidential run-off in Peru

The European Union mission strengthened by fifty short-term observers to follow the presidential run-off in Peru

The European Union Election Observation Mission (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. Today, the EU EOM is deploying fifty short-term observers to all regions of Peru, joining the fifty long-term observers already deployed to the field last month. This is a significant reinforcement of the Mission ahead of the presidential run-off scheduled for 7 June.

Shortly before election day, the Mission will be further bolstered by a delegation of 6 members of the European Parliament, representing a broad political spectrum, as well as observers from European Union member states embassies, as well as Canada, Switzerland and Norway. In total, the EU EOM will deploy more than 150 observers from all EU member states and the three partner countries across Peru.

"We will observe this run-off of the presidential election with the same dedication and impartiality as we did in the first round, and in the same constructive spirit for the good of the Peruvian people," explained Deputy Chief Observer Alexander Gray. He reiterated that "The EU remains committed to supporting elections which reflect the free expression of the will of the electors and to helping our friends in consolidating democracy."

"We thank the citizens of Peru for welcoming us in all departments with such openness and warmth, as they understand that international election observation adds transparency to the electoral process," Gray added.

The Mission carries out its work in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and adheres to a code of conduct which applies principles of independence, impartiality, and non-interference. The EU EOM observes all aspects of the electoral process: from voter and candidate registration, through adjudication of possible petitions, and publication of final results. It also analyses the role of the media and of social networks in the campaign.

The Mission's preliminary findings will be shared at a press conference on 9 June 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.

The EU has been invited by the Government of Peru and the Jurado Nacional de Elecciones to observe this electoral process. However, the mission is entirely funded by the European Union.