Fujimori holds narrow lead in Peru’s presidential run-off

Right-wing conservative candidate Keiko Fujimori is narrowly ahead in Peru’s presidential run-off vote, followed closely by left-wing contender Roberto Sánchez, according to initial results.

Fujimori, the daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, has garnered some 53%, while Sánchez stands at 47%, the electoral commission said, with more than 45% votes counted following Sunday’s election.

The new president is due to take office on July 28. The run-off was called after none of the 35 candidates running in the first round in April was able to garner the necessary majority.

Fujimori, whose father was convicted of human rights violations, is standing for the conservative Popular Force party and is running for highest office for the fourth time.

Sánchez, a former minister in the government of imprisoned President Pedro Castillo, is standing for the United for Peru alliance.

Just two days before the run-off, a case against him was reopened regarding illegal party financing six years ago.

During the campaign, Fujimori announced plans to crack down hard on organized crime and to make prisoners work.

She also wants to deregulate the economy and improve financial support for children and the elderly.

Sánchez, on the other hand, advocates partial nationalization of mineral resources and wants to have a new constitution drafted.

The political situation in Peru, a country of some 35 million, is extremely unstable and characterized by constant conflict between parliament and the government.

In the past 10 years, the South American country has had eight presidents.

The last Peruvian president to complete his five-year term was Ollanta Humala, who governed from 2011 to 2016.