Peru’s general elections entered an unprecedented second day on Monday following widespread logistical failures that disrupted the voting process across key parts of the capital, leaving tens of thousands of voters unable to participate during Sunday’s scheduled polls.
Electoral authorities confirmed that more than 63,000 eligible voters in metropolitan Lima were affected after numerous polling stations failed to open or were not properly equipped with essential voting materials. The disruption prompted immediate concern over voter disenfranchisement and the overall credibility of the electoral process.
In response to the crisis, the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE) authorized an extension of voting into Monday, allowing affected citizens to cast their ballots until 6 p.m. local time (2300 GMT). The agency stated that this emergency measure was necessary to ensure that all eligible voters had a fair opportunity to participate in the first round of the election.
According to ONPE, a total of 187 polling stations that had not been installed during Sunday’s voting were successfully set up by 7 a.m. (1200 GMT) on Monday. These centers remained open throughout the day as authorities worked to restore order and confidence in the electoral system.
Sunday’s election was marked by confusion and frustration, particularly in several districts of Lima, where voters encountered missing ballot papers, delayed openings, and, in some cases, completely absent polling units. Reports of long queues and inadequate staffing further compounded the situation, sparking criticism from voters and political observers alike.
Despite the setbacks, vote counting proceeded, and preliminary results began to emerge, revealing a closely contested race among a crowded field of candidates. As of 10:47 a.m. (1547 GMT) on Monday, with approximately 54.499 percent of ballots counted, right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori was leading the race with 1,687,382 votes, representing 16.957 percent of the total.
Trailing closely behind was far-right candidate Rafael López Aliaga, who had secured 1,435,846 votes, or 14.429 percent. The narrow margin between the two frontrunners highlights the competitive nature of the election, which features an unusually high number of presidential candidates.
This year’s election is notable for having 30 presidential contenders, making it one of the most crowded races in the country’s recent history. Under Peru’s electoral system, a candidate must secure more than 50 percent of the vote to win outright in the first round. Given the fragmented field, a runoff election is widely expected.
Keiko Fujimori, who is making her fourth attempt to become president, remains one of the most prominent and polarizing figures in Peruvian politics. She is the daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, whose legacy continues to divide public opinion.
Alberto Fujimori was convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison for serious human rights violations, including his involvement in two massacres and the abduction of political opponents during his administration. Despite this controversial background, Keiko Fujimori has maintained a loyal political base and continues to command significant support among conservative voters.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, she expressed cautious optimism about her early lead, framing the results as a positive development for the country.
“The quick count results are a very positive sign for our country,” she said. “As I pointed out in the debate, the enemy is the left, and according to these results, they would not make it to the second round. That, I repeat, is positive for all Peruvians.”
Her remarks reflect the deep ideological divisions shaping the election, with right-leaning candidates positioning themselves firmly against leftist groups.
Meanwhile, Rafael López Aliaga, running under the Popular Renewal party, has campaigned on a platform focused on strengthening national security, tightening immigration controls, and boosting economic development. A businessman by profession, he is contesting the presidency for the second time and has gained traction among voters seeking a more hardline approach to governance.
The extension of voting into Monday represents a rare and significant development in Peru’s democratic process. Analysts say the decision, while necessary, underscores serious shortcomings in election planning and execution.
Observers have noted that the logistical failures could have implications for voter turnout and may influence the final outcome, particularly in a tightly contested race where margins are slim. The additional voting hours provided on Monday may prove decisive in determining which candidates advance to the next stage.
If current trends hold, Fujimori and López Aliaga are expected to proceed to a runoff election scheduled for June 7. The second round will see the top two candidates face off in a decisive vote to determine the country’s next president, along with vice presidents, senators, and lawmakers.
As the first round draws to a close, attention is turning to the final vote count and the broader implications of the election. The logistical challenges experienced over the past two days have raised important questions about the preparedness of electoral institutions and the need for reforms to prevent similar issues in future elections.
For thousands of voters in Lima, Monday’s extension offered a crucial second chance to participate in shaping the nation’s political future. In an election defined by tight competition and high stakes, every vote carries significant weight, making the resolution of these disruptions essential to maintaining public trust in the democratic process.
