Peru: Rival protests to occur in Lima June 26

Event

Activists are planning protests in Lima June 26 in response to legal proceedings related to the nation's June 6 presidential run-off election. Supporters of both candidates in the election, neither of whom has formally been declared the winner, have confirmed the following actions:

• Supporters of candidate Keiko Fujimori of the Fuerza Popular party will gather at Plaza Bolognesi from 17:00.

• Supporters of candidate Pedro Castillo of the Peru Libre party will gather at Plaza Dos de Mayo from 15:00.

Additional actions are possible in other urban centers across Peru including Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamaca, Cusco, Ica, Piura, Taca, and Trujillo.

The gatherings in Lima will probably draw large crowds. While the two opposing demonstrations are not planned for the same location, they are in proximity to each other; skirmishes between rival groups of activists cannot be ruled out. Heightened security, as well as transport and business disruptions, are likely June 26.

Context

The results of June 6 run-off election were close; with all of the ballots processed, Castillo 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. In addition, one of the magistrates reviewing the contested ballots resigned June 23, possibly further delaying a definitive outcome and escalating political tensions.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution June 26. Allow additional time to reach destinations near rally locations. Heed the instructions of security personnel. If violence occurs, immediately leave the area and seek shelter in a non-governmental building.