Peru launches full IT audit of presidential election results amid irregularities
Primary region South America
Tags Elections · Courts
Regions South America
Peru's National Jury of Elections (JNE) on May 2, 2026 ordered a 'full and exhaustive IT audit' of the April 12 presidential election first round. With 97.5% of ballots counted, the race for second place remains deadlocked between leftist Roberto Sanchez (12%) and ultraconservative Rafael Lopez Aliaga (11.9%), separated by roughly 27,500 votes. Right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori leads with 17.12%. Only the top two advance to the June 7 runoff. Election day was marred by logistical problems in Lima, ballot boxes were found in a dumpster, and over 1 million ballots have disputed tally sheets under review. Peru's electoral chief Piero Corvetto resigned on April 21 under mounting pressure. EU election observers found no evidence of fraud. Final results are expected no later than May 15.
Strategic interpretation
The audit is an institutional attempt to restore credibility to a deeply flawed electoral process, but the prolonged uncertainty risks further eroding public trust in Peru's democracy. The three-way fragmentation of the vote between Fujimori's right, Sanchez's left, and Lopez Aliaga's ultraconservative camp reflects Peru's deep political polarization. The outcome will determine whether Peru continues its recent leftward shift or returns to conservative governance.