The Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission concludes her first visit to Peru

The Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission concludes her first visit to Peru

The Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Peru, Member of the European Parliament, Annalisa Corrado, concluded a five-day visit to the country on Thursday. During her visit, Corrado held meetings with a wide range of interlocutors.

"The deployment of this Mission reaffirms the importance the European Union attaches to its partnership with Peru, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to democratic principles," said Chief Observer Corrado, who during her first visit to the country met with the President José María Balcázar and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugo de Zela. She also met with the main stakeholders of the electoral administration to receive first-hand information on the electoral process. Corrado met with media outlets, national observer groups, and civil society organisations.

During her stay, Corrado travelled to Cajamarca to learn about the electoral preparations outside of the capital, including the development of the campaign and the measures adopted to ensure the integrity of the elections.

The EU EOM commenced its activities in late February and recently expanded with the arrival of 50 long-term observers, who were deployed to all regions of Peru earlier this week. Overall, the mission will comprise more than 150 observers from all 27 EU Member States, as well as Canada and Norway. This includes a core team of 10 analysts based in Lima, 50 long-term observers and 50 short-term observers, who will be deployed shortly before the polls, and observers from the diplomatic missions of EU Member States and partner countries. A delegation from the European Parliament will further reinforce the Mission.

"Our technical assessment of these elections is guided by three core principles: independence, impartiality and non-interference. We will employ a robust, well-established methodology of long-term, nationwide observation. Our mandate is to observe the process, but not to certify the results. These elections belong solely to the people of Peru," said Corrado.

The Chief Observer will return to Peru next month for further meetings and to observe the general elections on 12 April. She will present the Mission's preliminary findings at a press conference in Lima on 14 April. The EU EOM will also observe the presidential run-off, should it take place. A comprehensive final report, including recommendations for future elections, will be published and presented to the authorities some two months after completion of the election process.