Peru police raid former election chief Piero Corvetto’s home amid investigation into alleged election irregularities
Peru’s National Police raided the home of former election chief Piero Corvetto on Friday as part of a widening investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding the country’s April 12 general election. The probe includes accusations such as aggravated collusion, improper appointment of officials, false statements in administrative procedures, and delays or refusal to carry out official duties. Authorities also carried out searches at 12 properties tied to former officials from the National Office of Electoral Processes and a legal representative of the company responsible for distributing election materials. Investigators were additionally authorized to review both institutional and personal email accounts linked to those under scrutiny.
The raid came two days after Corvetto stepped down as head of the electoral agency amid growing political and legal pressure tied to logistical problems during election day, which he described as isolated errors. His resignation was submitted just before he was expected to be questioned by prosecutors, and as other oversight bodies were already reviewing complaints involving ballot shortages and abandoned ballots. The election process remains unsettled, with final first-round results still pending nearly two weeks after voters went to the polls, and officials saying the count is expected to conclude in mid-May.
The delayed vote tally has fueled accusations of fraud and mismanagement after officials were forced to suspend voting at multiple locations and extend voting into a second day due to logistical breakdowns. Critics and observers have pointed to missing ballots and discovered ballot boxes as potential signs of deeper problems, while prosecutors are examining whether coordination between officials and logistics contractors may have influenced the process. With most ballots counted, right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori remains in the lead, while the contest for second place between Roberto Sánchez and Rafael López Aliaga remains extremely close.
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