SouthernWorldwide.com – Keiko Fujimori, the conservative politician and daughter of the former president, was officially declared the winner of Peru’s presidential runoff election on Friday.
Fujimori, 51, is set to assume office later this month, becoming Peru’s ninth president in a decade. This marks her fourth attempt at the presidency, a testament to the country’s ongoing political instability.
In a post on X, Fujimori expressed her gratitude to her supporters, announcing the conclusion of the election. She conveyed her deep appreciation for the trust placed in her by millions of Peruvians, signaling the start of a new era. She emphasized her commitment to approaching this responsibility with humility and a profound sense of duty.
“Each day of this transition process is an opportunity to listen, engage in dialogue, and arrive prepared at the start of the new government,” she stated. “Through these accounts, we will share the progress of this stage and the work we have been carrying out. I invite you to join us.”
Peru’s highest election authority officially certified the results on Friday. According to the Associated Press, Fujimori secured 9,223,000 votes, representing 50.14% of the total. Her opponent, nationalist congressman Roberto Sánchez, garnered over 9,173,000 votes, or 49.87%.
Fujimori advanced to the runoff after successfully outcompeting 33 other candidates in the April elections.
Her victory comes at a time when voters are deeply concerned about escalating crime rates, particularly extortion perpetrated by violent organized crime gangs. In response, Fujimori has pledged a resolute stance against crime, promising to govern with an “iron fist.”
She is the daughter of the late Alberto Fujimori, a former president whose leadership in the 1990s saw the defeat of the Shining Path extremist rebel group. However, his presidency also took an authoritarian turn.
In 2009, Alberto Fujimori was convicted of human rights abuses committed during the fight against rebels. He was later also found guilty of corruption charges. His legacy remains a deeply divisive issue within Peru.
On Tuesday, the State Department extended congratulations to the newly elected Fujimori. The statement indicated that the Trump administration anticipates deepening collaboration with the Fujimori administration to enhance security cooperation and strengthen bilateral ties concerning investment and trade within the region.
