Statement on the Upcoming Elections in Peru

I deeply regret the decision by the Peruvian electoral authorities to proceed with the elections this coming Sunday in spite of the welldocumented concerns of the OAS observer mission. Even a relatively brief delay would give the OAS mission an opportunity to monitor the electoral process with greater confidence.

As things stand, the OAS mission will not monitor Sunday's vote. I believe that is the correct decision under the circumstances.

Free, fair, and open elections are the foundation of a democratic society. Without them, our relationship with Peru inevitably will be affected.

We are consulting with our partners in the hemisphere and the international community to determine appropriate next steps.