Peru presidential race turns volatile as Sanchez alleges fraud

Sanchez addressed a press conference on Tuesday, asserting that manipulation is underway to benefit Fujimori. While he failed to provide concrete evidence, he urged electoral authorities to suspend the count entirely, specifically targeting votes cast abroad that have significantly narrowed his initial lead. He further announced plans for nationwide demonstrations this Saturday, urging supporters to march against the ONPE electoral authority.

Fujimori, seeking the presidency for the fourth time, currently leads with 50.11% against Sanchez's 49.89%, with 99.72% of ballots processed. The dispute centers on Sanchez’s demand to annul votes from 119 consular offices—a move that would impact roughly 300,000 ballots. The national electoral jury has already rejected his claims regarding irregularities in ballot transportation. International observers from the Organization of American States and the European Union have characterized the voting process as normal, counseling the public to await the official count. Meanwhile, the country’s foreign affairs ministry has officially denied any systemic flaws in the electoral process.