11 Jun 2021 | 11:56 PM UTC
Peru: Election-related protests likely nationwide June 11-13
Election-related protests likely across Peru June 11-13. Avoid demonstrations as a precaution.
Event
Protests are likely in Peru June 11-13 in response to legal proceedings related to the nation's June 6 presidential election. Supporters of both candidates in the election, neither of whom has formally been declared the winner, have planned demonstrations in Lima, with additional actions being likely in other cities throughout the country.
Activists opposed to candidate Keiko Fujimori began gathering during the evening of June 11 at the headquarters of the National Elections Jury (Jurado Nacional de Elecciones, JNE), located at the intersection of Avenida Nicolas de Pierola (Colmena) and Jiron Lampa in central Lima. Demonstrators opposed to candidate Pedro Castillo, on the other hand, will gather at 13:00 June 12 in Campo de Marte, a park in Lima's Jesus Maria neighborhood.
Additional protests will probably take place in cities throughout the country. A civil society group opposed to Fujimori has called for nationwide demonstrations June 12. Organizers have not announced details of specifically planned gatherings; however, protests are especially likely in Lima, where activists would probably gather at the Plaza San Martin. Demonstrations are also likely in cities such as Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamaca, Cusco, Ica, Piura, Taca, and Trujillo. Smaller and spontaneous protests are possible elsewhere in the country throughout the weekend of June 12-13
Localized transport disruptions and an increased police presence are likely at all demonstration sites.
Context
The June 6 election was extremely close; with all of the ballots processed, Pedro Castillo has won 50.17 percent of the vote to Fujimori's 49.83 percent. However, legal proceedings surrounding the elections have thrown the status of hundreds of thousands of ballots in doubt, raising the possibility that Fujimori could ultimately be declared the victor.
Advice
Avoid all protests as a precaution. Allow additional time to reach destinations near likely rally locations. Heed the instructions of security personnel. If violence occurs, immediately leave the area and seek shelter in a non-governmental building.
