The European Union mission deploys 50 long-term observers to follow the presidential run-off in Peru

The European Union mission deploys 50 long-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 it is deploying long-term observers to all regions of the country to reinforce its observation of the presidential run-off, scheduled for 7 June. The 50 long-term observers are nationals European Union member states, as well as Canada and Norway.

Before election day, the Mission will be bolstered by an additional 50 short-term observers. A delegation of Members of the European Parliament will also join the Mission, as well as observers from the embassies of European Union member states and partner countries. On election day, the EU EOM will deploy more than 150 observers across the country.

Deputy Chief Observer Alexander Gray reiterated that, "The European Union was invited to observe the elections by the Government of Peru and the electoral authorities. The Mission is not in Peru to interfere in the process, but to observe and recommend where improvements can be made." He shared the hope that, "the citizens, who already demonstrated their firm commitment to democracy and civic values on 12 April, will be able to choose freely and without interference between the two candidates who have advanced to the second round."

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 to adjudication of possible petitions and publication of final results. It also analyses the role of the media and 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.