Peru election: Technical tie looms as vote count tightens

Peru's presidential election is teetering on a knife's edge, with initial rapid counts revealing a virtual tie between Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez. The narrow margin, less than a percentage point according to pollster Datum, has plunged the nation into tense uncertainty as the vote-by-vote count progresses.

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Today the Peru of all bloods has won.

As the National Office of Electoral Processes (Onpe) released official figures with 43.3% of ballot boxes counted, Fujimori, the right-wing candidate, held a slim lead with 52.8% of the vote compared to Sánchez's 47.2%. However, this lead is precarious, echoing the dramatic 2021 election where Fujimori initially led in exit polls but ultimately lost to Pedro Castillo by a mere 40,200 votes.

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Peruvian people, deep people... today a historic milestone is born to end the mafia pact.

Roberto Sánchez, representing Juntos por el Perú, addressed supporters gathered in Plaza San Martín, declaring, "The Peru of all bloods has won today." He proclaimed, "Peruvian people, deep people... today a historic milestone is born to end the mafia pact." Earlier, exit polls from Ipsos and Datum showed Fujimori with a slight edge, 50.7% to 49.3% and 50.53% to 49.47% respectively.

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the exit poll historically placed those who ended up winning below.

Sánchez urged patience, reminding voters of past elections where initial counts favored candidates who later lost. He stressed that the current situation represents a "statistical tie" within the margin of error, asserting, "No one can say yet I won or I lost." In contrast, Fujimori, making her fourth bid for the presidency under the Fuerza Popular party, opted for silence, canceling a scheduled press conference after the initial results were published. Her candidacy represents continuity of Fujimorismo, while Sánchez champions rural and popular sectors with a reform agenda, following a polarized campaign.

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No one can say yet I won or I lost.