Fujimori wins Peru presidency in narrow runoff, extending Latin America's rightward shift

Right-wing ideology received a major boost in Peru after conservative leader Keiko Fujimori secured a narrow victory over left-wing candidate Roberto Sanchez in the country's presidential runoff election.

The results of the June 7 runoff were officially declared on Tuesday by Peru's electoral authorities. Fujimori won 50.135 per cent of the vote, while Sanchez secured 49.865 per cent, a margin of fewer than 50,000 votes.

Reacting to the outcome, Fujimori welcomed the results and said on social media platform X that she would "await the National Electoral Jury's announcement with great humility, prudence, and responsibility."

"We are getting closer and closer to embarking on a path of order and hope for all Peruvians," she wrote.

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Sanchez rejects result, alleges irregularities

Despite the official declaration, Sanchez refused to accept the outcome, alleging administrative irregularities in the handling of overseas votes. However, he has not presented any conclusive evidence to support his claims.

The left-wing candidate has called on his supporters to stage mass protests in the coming days, a move that analysts warn could further deepen Peru's prolonged political crisis.

The June 7 runoff is unlikely to bring an end to the country's political instability, which has seen nine presidents take office in just the past 10 years.

Fujimori is set to be sworn in on July 28, becoming Peru's 10th president in a decade.

What Fujimori's victory means for Peru

Rising crime emerged as the defining issue of the election campaign, with public concern over worsening law and order dominating political debate. Fear of criminal activity remains widespread, particularly in urban areas.

Fujimori campaigned on a promise of adopting a tough stance on crime. With extortion gangs and mass killings on the rise, she pledged to restore order through stricter law enforcement, drawing comparisons with the hardline security policies of her father.

Sanchez, meanwhile, advocated reforms within the police force and greater coordination between security agencies and the military. He also sought to reassure investors by pledging to respect private investment and avoid nationalising foreign-owned assets.

Fujimori, 51, said last week that she intends to unite a country "divided in two" while tackling crime and addressing Peru's deep-rooted inequality.

Her victory comes after three failed attempts at winning the presidency and signals the return of one of Peru's most influential political dynasties. It also reinforces the broader rightward political shift that has been taking place across Latin America.