Keiko Fujimori declared winner, Peru election authority says

2026-07-04

Peru's election authorities on the 3rd declared Keiko Fujimori, 51, the eldest daughter of the late former President Alberto Fujimori, the winner of the June presidential runoff. She won by a narrow margin in her fourth attempt and will take office on the 28th.

Victory claim and preparations for new government

Following the announcement, Keiko reaffirmed her victory on social media, saying, 'A new stage is beginning. I will carry out my duties with responsibility, humility and a sense of mission.' She also said, 'We will listen to the voices of the people, continue dialogue and make thorough preparations for the launch of the new government.'

Narrow result deepens divisions

The runoff was held on June 7, but the final result was released about a month later because of the time needed to recount votes and review challenges. In the final tally, Keiko won 50.1% of the vote, while her leftist rival, former Trade and Tourism Minister Roberto Sanchez, 57, received 49.9%, a gap of about 49,000 votes. On the 1st, Mr Sanchez said he had filed a complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, alleging irregularities in the voting by Peruvians living abroad.

Hope and caution over Fujimori line

Keiko broadened her support by calling for continuity with the policies of her father, former President Fujimori, who drove economic rebuilding and restored security. As concern over worsening public safety has grown, her pledge to 'restore order' has drawn expectations for tough crime-fighting measures, while suspicion of authoritarian political methods remains strong. In addition to building several huge prisons, she has also called for Peru's withdrawal from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights under the Organization of American States, or OAS.

A government bearing the Fujimori name will be launched for the first time in 26 years. The inauguration is scheduled for the 28th and the term will run for five years. In Peru, eight presidents have been replaced through impeachment or resignation over the past decade or so, and the key question is whether she can restore trust in politics and stabilize the government.

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