Peru general elections: Fujimori leading, runoff likely

Peruvian voters cast their ballots on Sunday to determine the next president and Congress members, with Keiko Fujimori appearing poised to challenge a conservative contender in a potential second round. The election unfolded against a backdrop of rising criminal activity and widespread corruption, leaving many undecided about their choice. While Fujimori held a narrow advantage early on, it remained insufficient to secure a majority, suggesting a June runoff could be on the horizon.

As of Monday, Fujimori, a former congresswoman and the daughter of former strongman Alberto Fujimori, maintained a slight edge over her rival, Rafael “Porky” Lopez Aliaga, a fellow conservative. However, the gap was far from decisive, falling short of the 50% threshold required to avoid a second election. The ballot featured 35 candidates, reflecting the electorate’s frustration with the country’s political landscape, which has seen nine leaders in a decade.

Fujimori has pledged to address crime but also supported legislation critics argue hinders criminal investigations. Her fourth presidential campaign highlights her persistent appeal despite past controversies. Lopez Aliaga, who once served as Lima’s mayor, proposed expanding prisons into the Amazon and granting judges anonymity to protect them from criminal groups. He also advocated for deporting undocumented immigrants.

Popular comedian Carlos Alvarez, running on a hardline anti-crime platform, added a unique dimension to the race, drawing attention with his populist message. The outcome will depend on how voters balance policy promises against concerns over corruption and stability in the country’s governance.