on Tuesday presented its preliminary report and recommendations, following the conclusion of the General Elections held in Peru and abroad, and with a view to future electoral processes, including the presidential runoff scheduled for June 7.
The OAS representative called on the country to "wait for the next stages of the process calmly and act responsibly ahead of the runoff."
"This report is somewhat extensive, so I will present a summary of the main findings we have observed, along with several recommendations we consider important ahead of the presidential runoff in Peru on June 7 and for future electoral processes," Rico Frontaura said.
He added that a more detailed report will be published in June, addressing each of the issues analyzed in depth and including structural recommendations to improve the Peruvian electoral system for future processes of this type.
Recommendations
Among the recommendations, the mission urged authorities to precisely identify the causes of delays in the delivery of electoral materials and to adopt measures to prevent a recurrence.
It called for a review of contingency plans to respond in a timely and effective manner to emergencies or disruptions, ensuring citizens' right to vote, and for the planning of simulation exercises to test all technological components and systems simultaneously.
The mission suggested conducting a comprehensive assessment of preparatory tasks prior to installing technological equipment, strengthening logistical planning to ensure materials arrive on time, and establishing a more rigorous operational testing program to detect weaknesses and validate real-time performance.
Similarly, it recommended improving the training of party representatives and technical assistants, and ensuring that such situations can be anticipated and resolved without affecting the voting day.
Likewise, the delegation proposed redesigning the help desk model, increasing operational capacity and considering the incorporation of specialized support tools to scale assistance dynamically.
Furthermore, the mission recommended reinforcing quality control of procurement batches through assurance protocols that include sample testing before distribution.
Additionally, it recommended that polling tables be equipped with sufficient contingency materials, including ink and paper, among others, to ensure the smooth operation of the technological solution supporting the vote count.
Preliminary report
Victor Rico, a Bolivian national, said the mission's preliminary report "recognizes the efforts made by electoral system authorities to conduct these elections."
During its deployment, the mission held meetings with electoral and government authorities, as well as candidates, political parties, civil society organizations, community representatives, and academic sector members, he indicated.
The OAS official noted that on election day, the mission monitored the process in 358 polling locations across 24 Peruvian regions, the Constitutional Province of Callao, and four cities abroad.
"Throughout the morning, the mission verified significant delays in the opening of polling tables both nationwide and abroad. These setbacks, caused by factors such as the absence of polling table members, delays in the transport of electoral materials and in installing equipment for the technological solution supporting the vote count, led to long lines of voters," Rico Frontaura expressed.
He added that the vast majority of observed polling tables were staffed by ONPE-appointed members.
"According to data collected by the mission, the average opening time of observed polling tables was 8:03 a.m., exceeding by one hour the time established by current regulations," Rico Frontaura said.
He also welcomed the decision by electoral authorities to extend voting until Monday, April 13, at 13 polling locations in Metropolitan Lima, where delays and a lack of polling table members were recorded, while still maintaining the official closing time of the electoral day.
Finally, he highlighted the openness and willingness of Peruvian public institutions, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as political leaders and civil society representatives, who facilitated the observation work and provided information at all times.
The OAS Electoral Observation Mission was composed of 96 observers and specialists from 22 different nationalities.
(END) HTC/JCR/MVB