Full Breakdown
Peruvian Police Raid Former Election Chief’s Home Amid Ballot Shortage Probe
4/25/2026, 10:28:19 PM
Election Day Irregularities Spark Investigation
On April 24, 2026, Lima’s National Police, acting on a judge’s order, raided the residence of Piero Corvetto, former head of the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE). The operation also targeted twelve former ONPE officials and the legal representative of Gálaga, the ballot-transport contractor. Prosecutors allege collusion, improper appointments, false statements and failure to deliver voting materials during the April 12 election.
Background: Logistical Failures on April 12
The April 12 presidential first round required ballot distribution to hundreds of Lima polling stations. Over a dozen centers missed deliveries, prompting a one-day voting extension. The shortfall barred over 52,000 voters and left abandoned ballot boxes on public roads.
Key Figures & Groups
The probe focuses on former ONPE chief Piero Corvetto, logistics firm Gálaga and its legal representative. Judge Manuel Chuyo authorized the raids; the National Prosecutor’s Office leads the investigation. Candidates include ultraconservative Rafael López Aliaga, former president’s daughter Keiko Fujimori, and left-leaning congressman Roberto Sánchez. The EU electoral mission monitors the process.
Timeline
- April 12 – General election held; ballot shortages emerge.
- April 13-14 – Voting extended to a second day.
- April 22 – Corvetto resigns, citing “isolated errors.”
- April 24 – Police raid Corvetto’s home; Judge Chuyo orders searches.
Data & Statistics
Over 52,000 voters missed voting; more than a dozen centers faced material shortages. 95.1 % of ballots were tallied. Keiko Fujimori – 17.05 %; Roberto Sánchez – 12.03 %; López Aliaga – 11.90 %.
Official Statements & Responses
National Police said the raids are part of a “comprehensive investigation.” Prosecutors will review personal email accounts of the suspects. Judge Chujo confirmed the searches were legal but rejected a request to detain Corvetto. EU mission urged restraint and reported “no indication of fraud.” Peru’s electoral tribunal set a May 15 deadline to declare the two runoff candidates.
Criticism & Opposition
Rafael López Aliaga called the ballot shortages “an electoral fraud unique in the world” and vowed to pursue Corvetto “until he dies.” Opposition observers said missing ballots and abandoned boxes indicated a coordinated effort to manipulate the vote, not isolated errors.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The EU mission found no evidence of fraud, while opposition figures allege a systematic scheme. Peruvian law normally bars the ONPE chief from resigning during an active election, yet Corvetto’s resignation proceeded, creating legal ambiguity.
Verbatim Quotes
- “generate more confidence” — Piero Corvetto, resignation letter
- “isolated errors.” — Piero Corvetto, describing election-day problems
- “electoral fraud unique in the world” — Rafael López Aliaga, campaign rally
What’s Next
A runoff is set for June 7, 2026. The ONPE must finalize first-round results by May, while investigators continue reviewing communications and contracts linked to Gálaga. Ongoing legal scrutiny could affect candidate eligibility and public confidence before the final vote.
