The President of the Republic Francisco Sagasti on Friday night requested citizens to go to the polls with firmness and enthusiasm this Sunday, April 11 —the date of the 2021 general elections.
"With the confidence that your will expressed at the polls will be fully respected, I call on you to participate with firmness and enthusiasm in this electoral act, which is of essential importance for democracy and the future of our country on the Bicentennial of our Independence," he underlined.
In a televised Address to the Nation, the Head of State reminded Peruvians that the Government assumed a commitment to guarantee free, fair, and transparent general elections, in which the popular will is respected.
"Honoring this commitment, the Government has maintained absolute neutrality in the electoral process, without intervening in it in any way, and scrupulously complying with the schedule," he expressed.
As the top official remarked, all support required by the electoral bodies (the National Elections Board, the National Office of Electoral Processes, and the National Registry of Identification and Civil Status) has been provided to organize the elections in the best possible conditions —even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the same way, all facilities have been provided to international organizations and electoral observation missions that will issue reports on the coming general elections, he indicated.
Likewise, the Peruvian leader mentioned that —given the COVID-19 pandemic— electoral authorities have taken exceptional measures in order to make voting safe and efficient.
To avoid crowds and COVID-19 contagion, the number of polling places was expanded from 4,500 to more than 11,600, and areas —where two polling stations used to be installed on previous occasions— will only rely on one.
The voting hours were extended from 8 to 12 hours and have been set in accordance with citizens' last ID card digit, he explained.
In addition, the President stressed that ONPE and the Ministry of Health have reinforced health security protocols.
According to the top official, the National Police and the Armed Forces have deployed their personnel throughout the national territory to guarantee public order and security during the elections.
"A few months before celebrating the Bicentennial of Independence, we are going through one of the most difficult and critical moments in our history. Health, the economy, politics, even morals and ethics are in crisis. They have brought us enormous and difficult challenges to overcome," Mr. Sagasti said.
"However, Peruvians have shown that we have the ability to overcome extremely adverse situations, as well as to mobilize our will and our efforts to leave them behind," he added.
Over 25 million Peruvians will go to the polls on Sunday, April 11, to elect a new president, two vice-presidents, 130 Congress members, and five Andean Parliamentarians.