Keiko Fujimori leads in Peruvian presidential race as vote count concludes

Peru’s presidential run-off election, held on June 7, has seen right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori take the lead with 50.13% of the vote against leftist rival Roberto Sanchez’s 49.86%, after the electoral authority ONPE completed its review of contested ballots.

Fujimori, the daughter of late former President Alberto Fujimori who was jailed for human rights abuses, said on Monday that the country is closer to “order and hope” following the prolonged count. She pledged to “unite the country” after the tight race. The National Jury of Elections (JNE) is scheduled to officially announce a winner on July 3.

Sanchez has refused to recognise the result, alleging irregularities and fraud without providing evidence. He has called for protests to “defend the vote” and said he will file a legal challenge to appeal the official proclamation.

Such claims have become common in Peru as political instability deepens. Voter trust in elections and institutions has declined. Many voters expressed frustration after the first round in April when logistical issues delayed voting in parts of Lima.

Election monitors caution there is no evidence of widespread fraud but acknowledge voter frustrations. Fujimori, aware she won by only about 49,000 votes and is not very popular, has said she will wait with “humility and prudence” for the official declaration. She has lost three previous election bids. Members of her party hope Sanchez will eventually recognise the result.

The election outcome is unlikely to end Peru’s years-long political crisis, which has seen nine presidents in just 10 years, many forced out of office.