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TEAM OF OAS MONITORS CONCLUDES FIRST VISIT TO PERU

An Organization of American States (OAS) Electoral Observation Mission concluded its first visit to Peru today, after directly observing efforts being undertaken by electoral authorities to ensure the April 9 general elections are as free and as fair as possible.

Leading the OAS mission is former Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy, who was accompanied on this visit by special advisor Brian Stevenson, OAS Executive Secretary for Integral Development, as well as Deputy Chief of Mission Moisés Benamor, principal specialist with the OAS Department of Electoral Affairs.

Axworthy underscored the mission’s support for democratic institutions and for the Peruvian people as a whole, stressing that the mission was also undertaken to observe this important electoral process firsthand and to report to the OAS Secretary General and, through him, to the inter-American community.

The OAS observers held meetings with the National Election Tribunal, the National Office of Electoral Processes, the National Identification and Civil Registry Office and government authorities. The observers also got an in-depth look at the activities carried out by the electoral authorities within their purview to ensure free and fair elections. Pertinent steps will thus be taken to conduct the elections with the utmost transparency.

The OAS Electoral Observation Mission will monitor the various stages in the run-up to the elections and on its next visit will include experts in election organizing, legislation, campaign policies and opinion polls, technology and other election-related areas.

On his next visit to Peru, the Chief of Mission will meet with the presidential candidates and with major political party representatives and organizations at the national, regional and municipal levels. The aim is to hear their views and concerns as Peruvians prepare to go to the polls in April.

In wrapping up this visit, the Observation Mission also called on all the political parties, their candidates and constituencies to stress positive messages for the remainder of their campaigns. The parties and candidates have also been urged to strictly abide by the pertinent laws and to strengthen their resolve concerning respect and tolerance so the elections to be peaceful, for the benefit of all Peruvians.

The OAS Electoral Observation Mission has indicated that it remains at the disposal of all political and social groups wishing to make suggestions, express concerns, or comment on the current electoral process in their country.

Reference: E-013/06