The current electoral process in Peru faces a new challenge, marked by an increase in requests for nullification of polling stations in regions where the results do not favor certain candidates. This phenomenon repeats itself five years after Fuerza Popular filed more than 800 challenges, particularly in rural areas where support for Pedro Castillo was higher. Although those allegations of fraud were not validated, the strategy of contesting polling stations has been reinstated. This time, Renovación Popular has submitted over a hundred requests to annul polling stations in Cajamarca, affecting more than 22,000 votes. Similar to 2021, these efforts are concentrated in areas where other candidacies receive support, highlighting a pattern of judicialization of the electoral process that jeopardizes the representation of entire communities. The ability of some organizations to sustain these legal resources underscores an inequality in the system. Meanwhile, the country awaits the official results, which are delayed by the need for the Special Electoral Jurors to deliberate on each of these cases. This context reflects the complexities and tensions currently facing Peruvian democracy, as detailed in our coverage of the electoral investigation process.
