Keiko Fujimori holds slight lead in Peru presidential tally, boosted by overseas votes

Right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori is narrowly leading the official vote count in Peru's presidential runoff election, holding a slim advantage over her leftist opponent, Roberto Sánchez. As of Thursday, with 98.22% of ballots tallied, Fujimori had secured 50.003% of the vote compared to Sánchez's 49.997%, according to the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE).

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We are going to wait for the final count from ONPE to then make a statement. With serenity and much gratitude, I take these new results.

Fujimori's slight lead, amounting to just over 900 votes out of more than 18 million cast, has been significantly influenced by votes from expatriates in the United States and Japan. The electoral authority indicated that the final tally could take between two weeks and the end of the month, as it must address observations and challenges to the ballots.

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I call for reflection and calm, and I urge my opponent to keep his word to accept the popular decision when the count is finalized.

Both candidates have called for calm and respect for the electoral process. Fujimori, daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, urged her rival to uphold his promise to accept the popular decision once the count concludes. Sánchez's party, Juntos por el Perú, stated they are receiving the partial results with "tranquility."

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I will stick with the declaration of candidate Roberto Sánchez that he will respect the results.

The election has been closely watched, with the European Union's observation mission noting that the second round proceeded in a "calm and orderly" manner despite a polarized campaign. This runoff marks Fujimori's fourth presidential bid, while Sánchez is making his first attempt at the presidency. The winner will succeed interim President José María Balcázar and serve a five-year term starting July 28.

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We are receiving the new partial results with tranquility.