Keiko Fujimori has been declared the winner of Peru’s presidential runoff election, promising a strong stance against rising crime as she prepares to take office later this month.
Keiko Fujimori, a conservative politician and daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, has officially been declared the winner of Peru’s presidential runoff election. The announcement came on Friday, following a closely contested race against nationalist Congressman Roberto Sánchez.
Fujimori, 51, will assume the presidency later this month, marking her as Peru’s ninth president in just a decade. This election represents her fourth attempt at the presidency, reflecting the ongoing political instability that has characterized the nation in recent years.
In a post on X, Fujimori expressed her gratitude to her supporters, acknowledging the trust placed in her by millions of Peruvians. “I receive with profound gratitude the trust that millions of Peruvians have placed in me. A new stage begins. We assume it with responsibility, humility, and a deep sense of duty,” she wrote.
Fujimori emphasized the importance of the transition period, stating that each day would be an opportunity to listen and engage in dialogue as her administration prepares to take office. She invited the public to join her in this process, promising to share updates on the progress of her administration.
The results of the election were certified by Peru’s top election authority on Friday. Fujimori garnered 9,223,000 votes, accounting for 50.14% of the total, while Sánchez received over 9,173,000 votes, or 49.87%, according to The Associated Press.
Fujimori advanced to the runoff after defeating 33 other candidates in the initial round of voting held in April. Her victory comes at a time when many voters are increasingly concerned about rising crime rates, particularly related to violent organized crime gangs. In response, Fujimori has vowed to take a tough stance on crime, promising an “iron fist” approach to address these issues.
Alberto Fujimori, Keiko’s father, served as president during the 1990s and is known for his controversial legacy. While his government successfully defeated the Shining Path extremist group, it also faced criticism for its authoritarian practices. He was convicted in 2009 for human rights abuses and later for corruption, leaving a deeply divisive legacy in Peru.
On Tuesday, the U.S. State Department congratulated Keiko Fujimori on her election victory. “The Trump administration looks forward to deepening collaboration with the Fujimori administration to advance security cooperation and to strengthen bilateral cooperation on investment and trade in our region,” the statement read.
As Fujimori prepares to take office, her administration will likely face significant challenges, including addressing public concerns over crime and navigating the political landscape shaped by her father’s controversial legacy. The coming weeks will be crucial as she lays the groundwork for her presidency and seeks to fulfill her campaign promises.
According to The Associated Press, Fujimori’s victory marks a pivotal moment in Peru’s political history, as she aims to restore stability and confidence among the electorate.