Keiko Fujimori Declared Peru's President After Narrow Election Win
Politics Updated: 04 July 2026 14:36 EAT
Photo Courtesy: Right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori has been declared the winner of Peru’s presidential race
Keiko Fujimori has been officially declared the winner of Peru's presidential election, nearly a month after the June runoff, following the completion of vote reviews and legal challenges by the country's electoral authorities. The announcement ends weeks of uncertainty after one of the closest elections in Peru's democratic history.
The National Jury of Elections (JNE), Peru's highest electoral authority, confirmed that Fujimori won 50.135 percent of the valid votes, while left-wing candidate Roberto Sánchez received 49.865 percent. The final margin was fewer than 50,000 votes from almost 18 million ballots cast nationwide.
The declaration followed an extensive review of disputed ballots and appeals lodged after the June 7 runoff election. Electoral officials said all legal procedures had been completed before certifying the final result.
Sánchez rejected the outcome, alleging widespread electoral fraud and irregularities. However, Peru's electoral authorities said the complaints did not produce sufficient evidence to alter the certified results.
International election observer missions, including those from the Organization of American States and the European Union, said the election was conducted in line with democratic standards and called on all political actors to respect the official outcome.
The victory marks a political comeback for Fujimori, leader of the conservative Popular Force party, after unsuccessful presidential bids in 2011, 2016 and 2021. She narrowly lost the 2021 election by about 44,000 votes.
During her campaign, Fujimori pledged to restore security, strengthen the economy, attract investment and crack down on organised crime. She has also promised to work with Congress to address Peru's prolonged political instability.
Fujimori's victory was driven largely by strong support in Lima and among Peruvians living abroad, while Sánchez secured significant backing in rural and poorer regions, reflecting the country's deep political divisions.
The president-elect is the daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, whose administration remains one of the most controversial in Peru's history due to its economic reforms, anti-insurgency campaign and later convictions for corruption and human rights abuses.
Fujimori is expected to be sworn into office on July 28, Peru's Independence Day, beginning a five-year term as she seeks to unite a politically polarized nation and restore confidence in the country's institutions.
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