, and stated that Peru will mark "its new destiny" in these elections.
The
statement was delivered by JNE Chairman Roberto Burneo, who said the missions serve as "a guarantee of the rule of law and proof of the international community's commitment to strengthening democracy in the region."
During the opening of the International Electoral Observation Program, Burneo stated that the JNE and Peru's electoral system "act with full transparency and impartiality, carrying out objective, independent, and highly professional work at all levels."
"This Sunday, April 12, is not only election day, but the day Peru marks its new destiny," he emphasized, adding that electoral authorities "guarantee the authenticity, transparency, and legitimacy of the process."
In that regard, the JNE reported that last March it held a course for international observers covering the legal framework, election-day procedures, and observation methodology.
Deputy Chief Observer Alexander Gray said that on Sunday, observers will be present at the opening of ballot boxes, follow the voting process, monitor the closing of ballot boxes, as well as observe vote counting, and the publication of official results.
Two days later, the mission will present its initial findings at a press conference.
Gray said that, as a runoff between the two most-voted candidates is highly likely, the observations will help improve the second round, scheduled for June 7.
Meanwhile, the OAS mission, headed by Victor Rico Frontaura, has begun its deployment with more than 90 observers from 22 countries. They will assess areas such as organization, technology, electoral justice, financing, and political participation.
At the end of the process, both missions will present preliminary reports with recommendations to strengthen the electoral process.
More than 27 million Peruvians are expected to head to the polls this Sunday to elect national authorities, including the President of the Republic, two Vice Presidencies, a bicameral Parliament composed of 60 senators and 130 deputies, and five representatives to the Andean Parliament.
EFE News Agency: All rights reserved. Any reproduction is prohibited without the prior written authorization of EFE.
(END) EFE/AND/MVB