A Victory by the Narrowest of Margins

Keiko Fujimori was proclaimed President of Peru on June 29, 2026 after winning the runoff election with 50.13% of the votes (9,223,396 ballots), against 49.86% obtained by Roberto Sánchez (9,173,755 votes). The difference was merely 49,641 votes, making this the third consecutive election in Peru decided by fewer than 50,000 ballots.

For international readers: A balotaje (runoff) is a second-round election held when no candidate reaches the required threshold in the first round. Peru's system requires a candidate to obtain more than 50% of valid votes to avoid a runoff.

The Return of Fujimorismo After 25 Years

This victory marks the return of Fujimorismo to power after 25 years. Keiko Fujimori, daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori (who is serving a 25-year sentence for human rights violations), had lost in three previous attempts: 2011, 2016, and 2021.

In the first round, Fujimori obtained 17.19% of votes against 12.03% for Sánchez, with a total of 35 candidates competing. Peru's political landscape has been particularly unstable: the country has had 8 presidents in 10 years, a reflection of ongoing institutional crises.

Post-Election Reactions

Roberto Sánchez has not recognized the results and has alleged irregularities in overseas voting, though without presenting concrete evidence. Meanwhile, Paraguayan president Santiago Peña publicly congratulated Fujimori on her victory.

Fujimori's presidential term will run from 2026 to 2031. The official proclamation by the National Jury of Elections (JNE) is scheduled for July 3, 2026.