Keiko Fujimori narrowly leads Roberto Sánchez in tight Peruvian presidential runoff, exit polls show

Keiko Fujimori, daughter of former autocrat Alberto Fujimori, is narrowly ahead of leftist Roberto Sánchez in Peru's tight presidential runoff, early exit polls showed Sunday. The election, marked by political instability and crime, is set to usher in the country's ninth president in a decade.

Fujimori, 51, secured 50.7% of the vote compared to Sánchez's 49.3%, according to Ipsos, while Datum showed a 50.5% to 49.5% split. Both results indicate a technical tie, reflecting the deep divisions in the country.

This is Fujimori's fourth attempt to reach the presidency. She ran against Sánchez, the political heir of former President Pedro Castillo, who is imprisoned for a failed 2022 coup. Neither candidate garnered more than 30% of the vote in the first round, which was marred by fraud allegations that eroded trust in Peruvian institutions.

Fujimori, a businesswoman, has appealed to her father's legacy, which includes economic stabilization and counter-insurgency efforts, but also accusations of crimes against humanity. She promises order and prosperity, warning against "communism." Voters like Luis Bernaola, a 44-year-old electronic technician, expressed hope for stability with Fujimori, stating, "We haven't given her the opportunity to govern."

Sánchez, 57, a congressman and former minister, has moderated his "radical change" discourse and distanced himself from ultranationalists. He seeks a "respectful" relationship with Washington. However, he accuses Fujimori of being part of the "dictatorship" of the powerful Congress that has ousted presidents, a body where she holds influence. Juan Salas, a 32-year-old merchant, voiced his fear of Fujimori, saying, "I fear Keiko more than Sánchez." Sánchez, who consistently wears a hat gifted by Castillo, has promised to pardon his imprisoned mentor if elected.