​​The Peruvian Armed Forces issued a statement to reiterate their respect for the constitutional order ​​

Lima, June 15 (RHC)-- The Peruvian Armed Forces issued a statement to reiterate their respect for the constitutional order and to distance themselves from rumors of a coup d'état in the country, which is still waiting to know who was the official winner of the presidential elections 10 days ago.  

"We regret the political use of the Armed Forces, as this not only dents their institutionality, but also generates alarm, anxiety and division at a time when the country requires unity and calm," the Ministry of Defense stated in the text published on Monday.

It emphasized that the statement signed by former high commanders of the Armed Forces "does not represent the Armed Forces, but only the opinion of the persons who signed the document."  The Peruvian Armed Forces pointed out that the military had "an exemplary role" in the elections to renew the country's presidency, "guaranteeing the free exercise of the right to vote, protecting electoral officials (...) Their mission in this electoral process has been fulfilled.

Finally, the Armed Forces stressed that they are institutions "respectful of the constitutional order and are not deliberative (...) let us respect and strengthen their institutionality."

Peruvians went to the polls last June 6, in a run-off election, whose vote count favored the presidential candidate for the Peru Libre party, Pedro Castillo, over his opponent from the right-wing Popular Force, Keiko Fujimori.

However, the National Jury of Elections has not yet officially declared a winner of the elections due to the fact that there are still appeals to be resolved.