Disrupted Election Day
Peru's presidential election results are delayed, with over 52,000 residents of Lima, as well as Peruvians registered in Orlando, Florida, and Paterson, New Jersey, granted a one-day voting extension. The extension was announced after vote counting began Sunday evening. Frustrated voters in parts of Lima were unable to cast ballots due to logistical failures.
Lost Ballots Prompt Action
Logistical failures during Sunday's voting prompted the extension for affected voters.
Crowded Field of Candidates
Sunday's election included 35 candidates vying for the presidency. Keiko Fujimori, a conservative former congresswoman and daughter of the late President Alberto Fujimori, looked likely to face fellow conservative Rafael "Porky" Lopez Aliaga in a runoff. This marks Fujimori's fourth bid for the presidency.
Runoff Likely in June
Although Fujimori had a slight lead on Monday morning, it fell short of the more than 50% needed to win outright, making a runoff in June highly probable. The election took place amid a spike in violent crime and corruption.
Candidates Vow to Tackle Crime
Fujimori has vowed to crack down on crime, while Aliaga has proposed building prisons in the Amazon and allowing judges to conceal their identities. Comedian Carlos Alvarez is also campaigning on a tough anti-crime platform.
Eroding Trust in Process
The logistical failures eroded trust in the electoral process for some voters. The country has seen nine presidents in the last 10 years.
Awaiting Final Results
Peruvian voters will have to wait until at least Monday to learn the outcome of Sunday's presidential election. The extension may further delay the release of official results.
The sources also report that the election was for members of Congress in addition to the presidency.