Roberto Burneo, president of the National Jury of Elections (JNE), has publicly contradicted a statement from the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE) concerning the mishandling of ballot boxes. The dispute centers on four boxes of voting ballots that were discovered in a trash bin in Surquillo.
Contradictory Accounts of Ballot Transport
During his appearance before the Congressional Commission of Fiscalization, Burneo labeled the ONPE’s official communication as “false.” He asserted that the transport of the material lacked both a police officer and a fiscalizer from the JNE.
According to Burneo, the materials were moved in unregistered private vehicles and the JNE was not involved in the transfer. He further warned that the load was placed “subreptitiously” into an undeclared unit.
The ONPE’s Version of Events
The ONPE had previously claimed that a coordinator, a police officer, and a JNE fiscalizer accompanied the vehicle. Claudia Sandoval Carmona, head of the ODPE Lima Oeste 3, explained that a company was hired to move the material from a polling station to their office.
The agency stated that after unloading the material, they noticed the four missing boxes and attempted to contact the driver of the vehicle without success.
Congressional Oversight and Future Inquiries
The Commission of Fiscalization has unanimously approved a motion, with 10 votes in favor, to summon Burneo to the Plenary of Parliament. He is required to provide a documented report on irregularities detected during the general elections.
Parliamentarians may request explanations regarding the structural, technical, and operational causes that led to issues on April 12, such as the failure to install certain polling stations.
Burneo could also be asked to identify responsible officials or the specific actions taken to determine accountability. Meanwhile, the JNE is preparing reports and communicating with the Procuraduría to initiate appropriate legal actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where were the missing ballot boxes found?
Four boxes containing voting ballots from the ODPE Surco were found in a trash bin in Surquillo.
Why did Roberto Burneo call the ONPE’s statement false?
Burneo stated that, contrary to the ONPE’s claims, there was no police officer or JNE fiscalizer accompanying the transport, and that unregistered private vehicles were used.
What is the Congress requesting from the JNE president?
The Congress is requesting a detailed and documented report on irregularities during the general elections, including the causes behind the non-installation of polling stations on April 12.
How should electoral institutions ensure the chain of custody for voting materials to prevent such incidents?
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