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der=0 cellpadding=3 cellspacing=0 width=100%> Toledo pulls out of election
MAY 19, 2000

Presidential candidate Alejandro Toledo has pulled out of Peru's upcoming run-off election. Citing election irregularities that have yet to be resolved, Toledo announced on Thursday he would not participate in the May 28 election and called for a postponement until June 18.

If the irregularities are not resolved at that time, Toledo said he would not participate.

The National Election Board officially rejected Toledo's request. President Alberto Fujimori said the Constitution requires a run-off within 30 days after the final results of the first were accepted.

The run-off was scheduled by government officials after last month's election failed to see any candidate receive over 50 percent of the vote as required by law. Allegations of irregularities and tampering by the Fujimori adminstration led to social unrest in the days following the April 9th election.

The Organization of American States (OAS) earlier this week suggested they would not endorse the results of the run-off due to problems that had yet to be corrected. Final results in the first round mysteriously reported 1 million more ballots than there were voters.

International pressure, including threatened economic sanctions from the United States, helped contribute to the declaration of a run-off.

Despite having a majority population of Indian descent, the country has never had an Indian president. Toledo's campaign has marketed on his image as a "Rebel Indian."

Current polls show Toledo and Fujimori tied.

At a campaign stop in Ayacucho on Thursday, Fujimori bodyguards fired automatic rifles in the air to keep away protesters.

Indianz.Com Peru Elections Coverage:
Wife woos women voters (Global 05/17)
Observers critical of second Peru election (Global 05/16)
The 'Rebel Indian' campaigns (Global 05/04)
US Warns Peru (Global 04/26)
Peruvians appreciate US pressure (Global 04/14)
Officials in Peru announce run-off (Global 04/13)
Peruvians protest Fujimori (Global 04/12)
Suspected ballot fraud in Peru (Global 04/11)
Elections in Peru: Not over yet (Global 04/10)
On the campaign trail in Peru (Global 04/04)

Staff and news wires contributed to this report.