Fujimori wins Peru presidency by narrow margin

Right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori has secured victory in Peru's presidential election, defeating leftist rival Roberto Sánchez by a slim margin of 49,641 votes. The final results were confirmed 22 days after the June 7th vote, concluding a protracted electoral process.

Fujimori garnered 50.135% of the valid votes, totaling 9,223,396 ballots, while Sánchez received 49.865% with 9,173,755 votes. This marks the third consecutive presidential election in Peru decided by fewer than 50,000 votes.

The National Jury of Elections is scheduled to officially proclaim the results on July 3rd. Fujimori, the daughter and political heir of former President Alberto Fujimori, will receive her credentials on July 15th and be inaugurated on July 28th. This victory comes after her fourth presidential bid, having lost in previous runoffs.

Sánchez, representing former President Pedro Castillo, has stated he will not recognize Fujimori's presidency, alleging unsubstantiated fraud in overseas voting. Fujimori's win concludes one of Peru's most complex elections, characterized by a fragmented vote due to a large number of candidates. Her party, Fuerza Popular, campaigned on a platform of restoring order amidst rising concerns over citizen insecurity and organized crime. Her presidency signals the return of Fujimorismo to power, 25 years after her father's resignation amid a corruption scandal.