Far-right presidential candidate Rafael Lopez Aliaga said, "A coup d'etat is taking place in Peru, a coup d'etat against democracy," while speaking to reporters on May 8, AFP reported on May 9. Lopez Aliaga's comments came as preliminary first-round electoral results showed left-wing candidate Roberto Sanchez with a 20,000-vote lead over him.

The first round of Peru's elections on April 12 was chaotic, requiring voting in some areas to extend to April 13, while irregularities have necessitated an extensive review of ballots. Aliaga said he would "not recognize the results" if electoral authorities confirmed Sanchez's lead.