Keiko Fujimori Elected Peru President in Close Race, Fujimorismo Returns to Power

Right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori has been elected president of Peru, securing a narrow victory in a closely contested election that signals the return of Fujimorismo to the country's highest office. The win comes after a polarized campaign in a nation grappling with chronic institutional crises and organized crime.

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We are getting closer to starting a path of order and hope for all Peruvians.

Fujimori, 51, defeated her left-wing opponent, Roberto Sánchez, by a margin of less than one percentage point. Final vote tallies from the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE) showed Fujimori securing 50.13% of the vote compared to Sánchez's 49.86%. The difference amounted to fewer than 50,000 votes. Fujimori expressed her commitment to initiating a path of "order and hope" for all Peruvians following the announcement.

Her presidency, set to begin on July 28 and last until 2031, marks the return of the Fujimori political movement more than two decades after the autocratic rule of her father, former President Alberto Fujimori. The election results highlight a deeply divided country, with Fujimori acknowledging the nation's fragmentation and extending an open invitation for dialogue to Sánchez and other political forces.

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We expect the proclamation of the JNE with much humility, prudence, and responsibility.

Key challenges awaiting Fujimori include tackling the surge in criminality, which was a central concern during the campaign. She must also revitalize the economy and address the institutional instability that has led to Peru having eight presidents since 2016. Her rival, Sánchez, who is the political heir of former President Pedro Castillo, has alleged fraud in the overseas vote count without providing evidence and has led protests demanding electoral transparency.

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We know the country is divided. We have the great responsibility to listen to both sides. The doors of dialogue are open.