FROM THE ARCHIVE

US Warns Peru

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APRIL 26, 2000

A congressional resolution signed by President Clinton yesterday warns President Alberto Fujimori that his country could face political and economic sanctions if the upcoming Presidential run-off election is not conducted properly. Alejandro Toledo calls for campaign reform. April 17. Photo © AP Election woes began soon after the Sunday April 9th vote for President. Opposition candidate Alejandro Toledo, hoping to become the nation's first Indian leader, and his supporters alleged ballot fraud by the Fujimori administration.

Unrest grew as votes were tallied throughout the week. Fujimori seemed to inch closer and closer to obtaining the just over 50 percent vote needed to be declared the winner. By law, a run-off election must be held if no candidate wins over 50 percent of the vote.

Election officials finally declared a run-off on April 13th. Many Peruvians credited international pressure, including US, with forcing the Fujimori administration into properly accounting for the votes.

Toledo also credited protests by Peruvians throughout the country with having a direct effect on the administration. He opened the second round of his campaign on April 14th.

More recently, he demanded that Fujimori's party agree to a code of ethics for the campaign. He said Peruvians and the world will be watching the second round election closely, which is expected in late May or early June.

Clinton's action was downplayed by Fujimori officials in Lima. After the run-off election was declared, Fujimori announced confidently he would win. Fujimori also opened his second round campaign on the 14th.

Staff and news wires contributed to this report.

Related Stories:
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)