Peru presidential runoff too close to call as vote counting continues

Vote counting continued across Peru after the country's presidential runoff election failed to produce an immediate winner, with conservative candidate Keiko Fujimori holding an early lead over congressman Roberto Sanchez.

According to a report by the Associated Press, with around 58 per cent of ballots counted, electoral authorities reported that Fujimori had secured about 52.6 per cent of the vote, compared with 47.4 per cent for Sanchez. However, officials cautioned that the race remained too close to call and that final results could take several days to emerge.

The election is being closely watched as Peru seeks political stability after a decade marked by frequent leadership changes. The winner of the runoff will become the country's ninth president in the last 10 years.

Tight race after fragmented first round

The runoff followed the first round of voting held on April 12, in which more than 30 candidates contested the presidency. No candidate secured the more than 50 per cent support required for an outright victory, forcing a second round between the top two finishers.

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The first-round process was itself marked by logistical challenges. Voting had to be extended after election authorities failed to deliver voting materials to several polling centres in Lima. When the votes were eventually counted, Fujimori emerged as the leading candidate with around 17 per cent support, while Sanchez narrowly secured second place with about 12 per cent, edging out other contenders.

Despite advancing to the runoff, neither candidate entered the final contest with a strong nationwide mandate. According to the report, surveys conducted in the weeks before the election showed a large share of undecided voters, reflecting public dissatisfaction with Peru’s political class.

Crime emerges as key election issue

Public concern over rising crime became the dominant issue during the campaign. Fear of criminal activity remains widespread, particularly in urban areas.

Both candidates focused heavily on security during their campaigns. Fujimori proposed tougher measures against crime, including increased use of technology to combat extortion, stronger border controls and a larger security presence in high-risk areas. She also advocated prison labour programmes as part of broader reforms.

Sanchez, meanwhile, promised reforms within the police force and argued for greater cooperation between security agencies and the military. He also sought to reassure investors by stating that he would respect private investments and avoid nationalising foreign-owned assets.

Low turnout and uncertain outcome

Although voting is mandatory in Peru for citizens aged 18 to 70, turnout in parts of the capital appeared lower than during the first round. More than 27 million Peruvians were eligible to vote, including roughly 1.2 million citizens living abroad.

With ballots from across the country and overseas still being counted, Peruvians may have to wait several days before learning who will lead the nation through its next chapter of political and economic challenges.