Peru votes in tight runoff as Fujimori makes fresh bid for power

Lima (AFP) – Peruvians vote Sunday with a familiar name on the ballot: Keiko Fujimori, a late strongman's daughter beaten three times before but now a slight favorite to lead a country that has burned through eight presidents in a decade.

Issued on: 02/06/2026 - 03:46

4 min Reading time

Fujimori faces a tight presidential runoff against leftist Roberto Sanchez, after a campaign dominated by violent crime, extortion and anger at a political class that many voters blame for years of chaos.The race remains highly competitive after an April first round marred by logistical failures, delayed polling stations and fraud allegations that added to distrust in Peru's battered institutions.

Shamans hold a poster of presidential candidate Roberto Sanchez as they perform a ritual to predict the winner of Peru's upcoming presidential runoff vote © ERNESTO BENAVIDES / AFP