Keiko Fujimori has been declared the winner of Peru’s presidential election, almost a month after voters went to the polls in one of the country’s closest races in recent history.
Peru’s electoral court confirmed on Friday that the right-wing candidate secured 50.135% of the vote, narrowly defeating left-wing rival Roberto Sánchez, who received 49.865%.
The final result gave Fujimori victory by fewer than 50,000 votes.
The 51-year-old will become Peru’s ninth president in the last decade, ending her fourth attempt to win the country’s highest office after previous defeats in 2011, 2016 and 2021.
Speaking after her victory was confirmed, Fujimori said she would take office with a strong sense of responsibility.
“I will assume the role of president with responsibility, humility and a deep sense of duty,” she said.
“Each day of this transition process is an opportunity to listen, engage in dialogue and arrive prepared at the start of the new government.”
Her opponent, Roberto Sánchez, rejected the outcome and claimed the election had been compromised.
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He alleged there were irregularities in the voting process, pointing to Fujimori’s strong support among Peruvians living abroad, and said he would challenge the result in court.
After the announcement, Sánchez’s party formally appealed the electoral court’s decision and called for the election to be annulled.
Crime and political instability dominated the election campaign.
Fujimori promised to launch a tougher crackdown on organised crime, especially extortion, which has increased across Peru in recent years.
She also pledged to encourage private investment to boost the economy and said undocumented immigrants found committing crimes would be immediately expelled from the country.
Throughout the campaign, Fujimori also drew support from the political legacy of her father, former president Alberto Fujimori.
His presidency remains deeply divisive in Peru. He was later convicted of crimes against humanity over extrajudicial killings and forced sterilisation carried out during his administration.
Sánchez, a former foreign trade minister, campaigned on promises of broad economic reforms but failed to overcome growing public concern over security and political uncertainty.
Fujimori is expected to be sworn into office on 28 July.
Her victory comes as several right-leaning leaders have gained power across Latin America in recent years, reflecting changing political trends across the region.
