stated on Tuesday that election day on April 12 proceeded calmly and orderly across most of the country, although there were "significant delays" in the opening of polling places in some areas of Lima.
"Delays in the opening of polling tables and the inability to hold voting at 13 polling places affected an election day that, otherwise, unfolded normally and calmly across most of the country," she said during the presentation of the EU EOM's preliminary report.
In that regard, Corrado noted that the EU EOM views as "very positive" the swift decision by the electoral authority to extend voting until last Monday, which guaranteed citizens' right to vote.
"We commend Peruvians who participated in large numbers, demonstrating their commitment to democracy. Widespread delays and the postponement of voting at 13 polling places affected an election that was otherwise well organized," she stated.
Corrado highlighted that Sunday's General Elections were the "most complex in recent history" in Peru, featuring a ballot measuring approximately 42 cm x 44 cm.
It included five different elections and allowed voters to select up to 12 options.
"The fundamental freedoms were respected throughout the campaign to a large extent, except in some political strongholds where opposition party candidates were subjected to verbal and physical attacks," the preliminary report stated.
"Overall, the campaign maintained a low profile, with candidates reaching voters through smaller gatherings, billboards, and door-to-door activities," it noted.
No evidence of fraud
Corrado stated that the EU EOM had not found objective elements supporting a "fraud narrative" in the General Elections.
"The mission has not received sufficient elements to conclude that the fraud narrative has objective grounds. We will clearly continue monitoring these events; if complaints are filed, we will follow them closely, and they will be part of the final report," Corrado indicated.
She added that the problems at 13 polling places in Lima, where voting did not take place, as well as delays in the distribution of electoral materials, were serious and caused voters to wait all day in frustration — an issue that must be addressed in the runoff.
He also expressed solidarity with voters affected by delays in the distribution of electoral materials.
Finally, the EU EOM preliminary report concluded that state media provided extensive, balanced, and neutral coverage of candidates in the 2026 General Elections.
The EU EOM deployed more than 150 international observers from the 27 EU Member States, as well as from Canada, Switzerland, and Norway.
(END) FHG/CVC/MVB