Conservative Keiko Fujimori wins Peru presidency, promises to restore ‘order and hope’

Lima: Peru's conservative leader Keiko Fujimori has been officially declared president-elect after narrowly winning the country's presidential runoff. She inherits the task of running the country, with a promise to restore “order and hope”, as it grapples with rising crime and prolonged political instability.

According to the final election results, Fujimori defeated left-wing candidate Roberto Sanchez by fewer than 50,000 votes out of more than 18 million ballots cast in the June 7 runoff. The victory marks her fourth attempt at winning the presidency.

"Each time we draw closer to starting on the path of order and hope for all Peruvians," Fujimori wrote on X after being proclaimed the winner.

Challenges ahead: crime, division, and a controversial legacy

The 51-year-old will assume office on July 28 for a five-year term. She will lead a country struggling with rising organised crime, including extortion and contract killings. Peru has also faced prolonged political instability, with eight presidents taking office over the past decade.

During her campaign, Fujimori pledged to tackle crime with a firm approach, drawing comparisons to the tough policies of her late father, former President Alberto Fujimori.

Her victory also marks the return of the Fujimori name to Peru's presidential palace more than two decades after Alberto Fujimori's government ended. While he is credited with defeating Maoist insurgents and stabilising the economy, his legacy remains deeply divisive. He was later convicted and imprisoned for corruption and human rights abuses committed during his presidency.

Roberto Sanchez had not commented on the final results at the time of the announcement. Earlier, he alleged irregularities in the handling of overseas votes and said he would not recognise a government led by Fujimori.

Fujimori acknowledged the country's political divisions after her victory and called for dialogue.

"We have the responsibility of listening to both sides. The doors for dialogue are open," she said.

Her election reflects a broader shift toward conservative leadership across Latin America, where concerns over crime have helped several right-leaning candidates secure power in recent years.

Although Fujimori enjoys strong support from loyal followers of her family's political movement, she remains a polarising figure. Critics argue that both her father's legacy and her own political party have contributed to Peru's political instability, while supporters believe she is best placed to restore stability and improve public security.

AFP