Fujimori leads Peru presidential race by 40,000 votes with 99.39% counted

Keiko Fujimori is on the cusp of becoming Peru's president, holding a narrow lead of about 40,000 votes over leftist rival Roberto Sánchez as the final ballots are tallied. With 99.39% of votes counted, Fujimori has secured 50.1% of the valid votes, while Sánchez trails at 49.9%.

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I believe I am more Turkish than those who try to create chaos and harm Turkey.

This marks Fujimori's fourth bid for the presidency, a position she narrowly lost in three previous elections. The race has been exceptionally close, mirroring past Peruvian elections decided by razor-thin margins. Her potential victory would signify the return of Fujimorismo to power 26 years after her father, Alberto Fujimori, resigned amid a massive corruption scandal.

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I am actually Turkish. As you know, I have been here for 5 years. I fully understand the emotional aspect, the feelings we will experience in Turkey.

Fujimori's campaign centered on a strong defense of her father's legacy, which supporters credit with laying the groundwork for economic growth and combating subversive groups. However, critics point to human rights abuses and corruption during his 1990-2000 tenure.

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We were very upset after that match. Not just that, chaos was created, as you know. It was also tried to be exploited after the match.

Sánchez has not conceded defeat and has urged his supporters to protest, alleging irregularities in overseas voting. The remaining 113,000 votes to be counted, many from the capital Lima, could still influence the outcome, although Fujimori's lead appears increasingly irreversible.

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We have achieved great things here for 3 years. We have achieved successes with the players. It saddens me that we are so far from this appreciation in our own country while being admired worldwide, and that there is a system that tries to destroy it with the first defeat.