Keiko Fujimori leads tight race ahead of decisive presidential election in Peru

Saturday 11 April 2026 - 16:15

Peru heads into a highly fragmented presidential election in which conservative candidate Keiko Fujimori is emerging as the frontrunner, according to recent opinion polls.

With around 35 candidates in the race, voter intentions remain widely dispersed, and Fujimori leads with approximately 15%, reflecting a deeply divided political landscape where no candidate has secured a decisive advantage.

Her campaign focuses heavily on security, immigration control, and economic recovery. She has promised rapid reforms within her first 100 days in office, including tougher immigration enforcement, stricter public security measures, and increased involvement of security forces in prison management.

Rising crime rates have become a central issue in the election, shaping voter concerns across the country. Fujimori’s platform seeks to appeal to citizens frustrated by ongoing instability and institutional weakness.

On economic policy, she has called for closer ties with the United States to attract foreign investment, while also highlighting opportunities for European capital in infrastructure, energy, and mining sectors. The strategy reflects Peru’s broader effort to strengthen its position in a competitive global economy marked by geopolitical rivalry.

Fujimori, the daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, remains a polarizing figure in Peruvian politics. Supporters associate her with strong leadership, while critics link her to past controversies, a divide that could prove decisive in a potential runoff.

The election takes place amid prolonged political instability in Peru, characterized by frequent changes of government, institutional crises, and tensions between the executive and legislature. Voters will also elect members of a newly reinstated bicameral Congress, adding further significance to the vote.

Across Latin America, the election is being closely watched as part of a broader ideological shift, with a potential Fujimori victory seen as reinforcing conservative political momentum in the region.