European Union (EU) Electoral Monitoring Mission representatives on Thursday welcomed the implementation of certain reforms in electoral legislation, in accordance with the recommendations that said bloc made to Peru in 2020 and 2021.
"There is a wish to strengthen democracy in Peru," said Mission Chief, Leopoldo Lopez Gil.
The European Parliament member reported having held a meeting with directors of electoral organizations, parliamentarians, and spokespersons for specialized non-governmental organizations on the topic of elections.
In that sense, the official said he had found "a true willingness to incorporate electoral amendments," which are consistent with the recommendations made by the EU on the occasion of the elections held during 2020 and 2021.
Regarding the approval by the Peruvian Congress of the elimination of primary elections to designate candidates for elections, Lopez Gil pointed out that in the mission he heads "we do not have any mandate to be able to comment" on the decisions made by legislative bodies.
Implemented recommendations
In turn, EU Electoral Monitoring Mission Deputy Chief, Manuel Sanchez, indicated that 21 of the 37 recommendations issued between 2020 and 2021 have been adapted, among which the compliance with data protection regulations by the National Electoral Processes Office (ONPE) and the fight against disinformation or fake news stood out.
The official welcomed the progress in the implementation of the right to vote for members of the Armed Forces and the Peruvian National Police, as well as its facilitation for people who reside in remote areas and populated centers.
Furthermore, the deputy head underscored that regulations on gender parity and alternation in candidate lists have been established.
Moreover, Sanchez indicated that the Electoral Monitoring Mission has noted that changes were made to the Electoral Processes Organic Law, increasing the percentage of signatures necessary for registration of political groups.
"The number can be a little high," he noted.
Likewise, the Monitoring Mission has taken into account the presentation of bills that propose increasing custodial sentences for crimes against honor.
Sanchez indicated that the implementation of the rest of recommendations made would have to occur at a time close to the elections. He noted that one of them is to enhance the training of polling station members.
It was also reported that the Electoral Monitoring Mission will release its final report, in the coming weeks, about the execution of the recommendations made to Peru.