Peruvian anticorruption police raid former election chief's home amid vote count delays
Seizure of electronic devices and documents follows public outcry over the slow tally of the April 12 election, despite a European Union mission finding no evidence of fraud
Anticorruption police in Lima have executed a judicial warrant to raid the residence of Piero Corvetto, the former head of the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE), along with the homes of four other officials and the offices of Galaga, a private ballot transport company. The operation, which took place on Friday, 24 April, involved the seizure of mobile phones, laptops, and documents from the targeted locations. This enforcement action comes as the finalisation of the presidential election results, held on 12 April, remains delayed, sparking significant public frustration regarding the administration of the vote.
The raids were authorised by a judge following accusations of wrongdoing linked to the sluggish release of election data. Corvetto, who resigned on 21 April to restore public confidence, has denied any irregularities in the electoral process. His legal representative, Ricardo Sanchez Carranza, confirmed to Reuters that while the judge approved the search, prosecutors were denied a request for preliminary detention against the former official. The specific contents of the seized materials have not yet been disclosed to the public.
Despite local allegations of misconduct, the European Union's election mission to Peru reported finding no indication of fraud during their observation of the process. The delays in the vote count were attributed to logistical issues, including extended voting periods in certain areas due to late ballot deliveries. These operational hiccups have been seized upon by political opponents to question the legitimacy of the tally, even as international observers maintain the integrity of the voting mechanism.
Rival candidate Rafael Lopez Aliaga has intensified his denunciation of the situation, describing the current tally as an "electoral fraud unique in the world" and labelling Corvetto a criminal. Lopez Aliaga, who currently trails in the race, has pledged to pursue the former election chief relentlessly. However, he has yet to provide concrete evidence to substantiate his claims of illegitimacy amidst the ongoing judicial inquiry.
Current polling data indicates that with 95 per cent of ballots tallied, Keiko Fujimori leads with 17 per cent of the vote, securing a position that all but assures her a place in the run-off on 6 June. Lopez Aliaga sits in third place with 11.9 per cent, trailing left-wing Congress member Roberto Sanchez by approximately 20,000 votes. The final presidential results are scheduled to be officially announced on 15 May.
