Keiko Fujimori Wins Peru Presidential Election Amid Controversy

Conservative candidate Keiko Fujimori narrowly emerged victorious in Peru’s presidential election, following weeks of disputed vote counting. This win marks another right-wing success in Latin America, drawing significant attention from the United States.

According to the National Office for Electoral Processes (ONPE), Fujimori, daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, captured 50.135% of the vote in the June 7 runoff. Her opponent, left-wing candidate Roberto Sánchez, secured 49.865%. The official count showed a close result, with Sánchez’s Together for Peru party considering a challenge. The National Jury of Elections in Peru is expected to make a formal announcement soon.

Several Latin American governments have shifted right in recent years. This trend is driven by dissatisfaction with economic stagnation and corruption scandals involving left-wing politicians. Many right-wing leaders promise to clamp down on crime.

Fujimori expressed optimism, stating, “We are getting closer to starting a path of order and hope for all Peruvians.” Her victory follows Colombia’s recent election, where the right-wing contender Abelardo de la Espriella triumphed after receiving support from former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Other regional shifts include Honduras, where the Trump-backed Nasry Asfura became leader amid fraud claims, and Chile electing its most right-wing leader in decades. Nonetheless, Mexico and Brazil remain under left-leaning administrations.

The Trump administration seeks increased influence in Latin America. The “Donroe Doctrine,” a nod to the Monroe Doctrine, aims at asserting U.S. dominance in the Americas. Additionally, the “Shield of the Americas” initiative unites over a dozen leaders on the center-right.

Fujimori’s Popular Force party claimed victory with less than 50,000 votes deciding the outcome from over 18 million ballots. Sánchez had previously accused electoral fraud favoring Fujimori, but evidence was lacking.

In a statement, Sánchez declared “serious harm to the electoral process,” asserting his party’s right to contest the results.

Alberto Fujimori, Keiko’s father, governed Peru from 1990. While praised for addressing economic challenges and terrorism, his legacy is marred by corruption and human rights violations. Released from prison in December 2023 for humanitarian reasons, he died in September 2024.

Newsweek editors Frances Mao and Tony Phillips contributed to this report.