Peru 2026 Elections: Calls for International Audit of ONPE Systems to Ensure Transparency

Demands for a comprehensive international audit of the electoral systems used by the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE) have intensified following reports of irregularities during the first round of the 2026 Peruvian general elections. Business leaders and political figures are calling for a rigorous review of the technical processes to ensure the legitimacy of the upcoming second round of voting.

The National Confederation of Private Business (Confiep) has formally requested that the government and electoral authorities convene specialized companies to conduct an audit of the electoral process. According to reports from Canal N and Gestion, the business organization is pushing for an integral audit of the electoral system to be completed before the runoff election takes place.

Business Sector Demands Technical Oversight

Confiep’s call for intervention emphasizes the need for technical expertise to verify the integrity of the vote. The organization has specifically urged the appointment of specialized firms capable of analyzing the systems implemented by ONPE to identify potential flaws or discrepancies that may have affected the first round of voting.

The demand from the private sector reflects concerns over political stability and the need for a transparent transition of power. By seeking a comprehensive audit prior to the second round, Confiep aims to mitigate uncertainty and provide a verified foundation for the final electoral result.

Calls for International Intervention

Parallel to the demands from the business community, political actors are advocating for an international dimension to the review process. Raúl Diez Canseco has proposed that an international audit be conducted, arguing that external oversight is essential for the credibility of the process.

“This proves the only way to guarantee transparency.”

Raúl Diez Canseco

This proposal aligns with broader requests for an international review following allegations of voting irregularities. Reporting from Perú 21 indicates that these requests are a direct response to complaints regarding the conduct and results of the initial voting phase, with proponents arguing that domestic oversight alone may not be sufficient to satisfy public skepticism.

The Viability of Auditing ONPE Systems

As the pressure for a review grows, questions have emerged regarding the technical feasibility of auditing the systems used by ONPE. Analysis published by El Comercio explores whether it is viable to perform a retrospective audit on the specific systems and software deployed during the election.

The debate centers on whether the existing logs, software versions, and data transmission records are sufficient to allow an independent third party to verify the results without compromising the security of the electoral infrastructure. Experts are weighing the possibility of a full system audit against the tight timeline remaining before the second round of elections.

The current situation places ONPE under significant scrutiny. The agency is responsible for the organization and execution of the electoral process, and the calls for an audit suggest a gap in confidence between the electoral authority and key sectors of Peruvian society, including both the private sector and political opposition.

The outcome of these demands will likely determine the level of acceptance for the final winner of the 2026 presidency. If the requests for a specialized and international audit are ignored, critics suggest it could lead to further challenges to the legitimacy of the elected government.