on Tuesday announced that it will present its initial findings on April 14 following the 2026 General Elections and, if necessary, will issue recommendations for a possible runoff.
This will be the first preliminary report on the electoral process.
"During the electoral process, we do not make any statements; we simply observe the entire process. Then, on April 14, we will present our initial findings and recommendations if there is a runoff," Deputy Chief Observer Alexander Gray said.
In an interview with Andina News Agency, Gray explained that the team has been deployed in Peru for five weeks. It includes 10 analysts in the core team and 50 long-term observers in regions, monitoring campaigns, debates, and electoral administration.
The mission has held meetings with nearly half of the presidential candidates to learn about their platforms, campaign strategies, and access to the media.
"We want to understand what their government plans are and how they are performing in the campaign," he said about the talks.
Regarding the presidential debates, Gray noted that "they are very positive; it is an effort by the National Elections Board (JNE) to support an informed vote."
He added that observers have followed both national and regional debates.
The EU mission welcomed the implementation of previous recommendations, such as "we recommended extending voting hours so that citizens have more opportunity to cast their ballots."
It also noted that the ONPE has increased the number of polling places to bring them closer to the population.
With the training of an additional 50 short-term observers, the total number will exceed 150 nationwide, coming from 27 EU Member States and partner countries such as Canada, Norway, and Switzerland, strengthening coverage across all Peruvian regions.
Finally, Gray reaffirmed that the mission will continue to closely monitor campaign closing events and election day on April 12.
The General Elections will be held on April 12, 2026, with a potential runoff for the presidential race scheduled for June 7 of the same year.
This electoral process will allow citizens to go to the polls to elect the next President of the Republic, Vice Presidents, Senators, Deputies, and Representatives to the Andean Parliament.
(END) KCO/JCC/MVB