30/06/2026 15:38 - Internacionales
Peruvian politics witnessed a watershed moment on June 29, 2026, when the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE, by its Spanish acronym) confirmed the victory of Keiko Fujimori in the presidential elections. With 100% of ballots counted, the leader of the Popular Force party obtained 50.13% of valid votes (9,223,396 votes), while her rival Roberto Sánchez reached 49.86% (9,173,755 votes).
The final difference was merely 49,641 votes, making this the third consecutive presidential election in Peru decided by fewer than 50,000 votes. Three weeks passed since the runoff election on June 7 until the official confirmation of results.
| Candidate | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Keiko Fujimori | 9,223,396 | 50.13% |
| Roberto Sánchez | 9,173,755 | 49.86% |
| Difference: 49,641 votes | ||
The presidential term will be 2026-2031
Keiko Fujimori, 51 years old, achieved the presidency on her fourth attempt after losing in the runoff elections of 2011 (against Ollanta Humala), 2016 (against Pedro Pablo Kuczynski), and 2021 (against Pedro Castillo). Her victory marks the return of Fujimorismo to power after 25 years since her father, Alberto Fujimori, resigned by fax from Japan in the year 2000.
Alberto Fujimori served as president of Peru from 1990 to 2000. His presidency ended in controversy when he fled to Japan and submitted his resignation by fax. He is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence for crimes against humanity and corruption. Despite his conviction, he maintains significant support among segments of the Peruvian population who credit him with defeating the Shining Path guerrilla movement and stabilizing the economy.
The president-elect addressed the nation after the results were announced: "We are getting closer and closer to starting a path of order and hope for all Peruvians," she posted on her X account (formerly Twitter).
Peru has endured one of the most prolonged political crises in its recent history. Over the last 10 years, the Andean nation has had eight different presidents, the result of impeachments, resignations, and presidential vacancy processes promoted from Congress—often with the support of Fujimorista votes.
The first round of voting featured 35 presidential candidates, which fragmented the vote. Fujimori obtained only 17.19% in that round, followed by Sánchez with 12.03%.
Unlike many democracies, Peru's Congress has broad powers to remove presidents. This "presidential vacancy" mechanism has been used repeatedly, creating a cycle of instability. The 2022 attempt by then-President Pedro Castillo to dissolve Congress and rule by decree—which led to his impeachment and arrest—exemplified the tensions between the executive and legislative branches.
Roberto Sánchez, the candidate representing the political faction of imprisoned former president Pedro Castillo, announced he will not recognize the results and alleged irregularities in overseas voting, though without presenting concrete evidence. According to his arguments, annulling those votes would give him victory, as he was the most voted candidate within Peruvian territory.
The National Jury of Elections (JNE) is scheduled to officially proclaim the results on Friday, July 3, 2026. Sánchez has stated he will not recognize Fujimori as the legitimate president.
The president of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, was one of the first heads of state to congratulate Fujimori: "I extend my congratulations to the President-elect of Peru, Keiko Fujimori," he posted on X, reaffirming "the willingness to continue strengthening the historic ties of friendship and cooperation that unite Paraguay and Peru."
Sources: Rosario3 | Infobae/EFE
Alfredo S. Quiroga
