Lima, June 30: Keiko Fujimori has long been recognized as a perennial candidate in Peru’s political landscape. After three unsuccessful attempts at the presidency, she has finally secured victory in her fourth bid. The 51-year-old daughter of the controversial former president Alberto Fujimori won by a narrow margin, marking a significant moment in Peruvian politics.
Fujimori defeated leftist candidate Roberto Sanchez, pledging to restore “order and hope” in the country. This win is seen as another success for the resurgent right in Latin America.
According to Peru’s Andina news agency, Fujimori won the runoff election held on June 7 by a razor-thin margin. She garnered just over 50,000 more votes than Sanchez out of more than 18 million ballots cast. Fujimori’s party, Fuerza Popular, received 50.135% of the votes, while Sanchez’s Together for Peru party secured 49.865%.
The National Jury of Elections in Peru took several weeks to review disputed ballots and is set to officially announce the winner on July 3.
Following her declaration as the winner, Fujimori took to social media platform X, stating, “With each passing day, we are getting closer to moving forward on the path of order and hope for all Peruvians.”
This election was fought against a backdrop of rising crime and long-standing political instability. Over the past decade, Peru has seen eight presidents change hands. In recent months, numerous images have surfaced of Generation Z taking to the streets to voice their discontent with the current administration.
Amidst a surge in extortion gangs and contract killings, Fujimori has promised a tough governance style akin to her father’s.
Alberto Fujimori was praised for suppressing Maoist rebels and controlling hyperinflation, but he later became infamous for corruption and crimes against humanity, fleeing the country and eventually being imprisoned.
Roberto Sanchez did not immediately respond to the announcement of results. He had been leading in the early stages of the counting but was ultimately overtaken by Fujimori.
Sanchez previously stated that he would not recognize a government led by his rival, alleging administrative irregularities in the management of overseas votes.
Keiko Fujimori will be sworn in as president on July 28 for a five-year term.
Once known for her aggressive political image, Fujimori has attempted to soften her public persona during this campaign. She became the First Lady at the age of 19 when her mother publicly separated from Alberto Fujimori. She later pursued a business administration education in the United States.
For decades, the Fujimori name has been a double-edged sword, providing a source of loyal supporters and a strong political network while also attracting criticism. Many Peruvians still harbor bitter memories of her father’s regime, leading them to avoid voting for any candidate associated with the Fujimori name, which has hindered Keiko’s previous presidential aspirations.
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