Peru’s Fujimori and leftist Sanchez head toward tight presidential runoff

Sunday 26 April 2026 - 16:45

Peru’s presidential race remains highly uncertain as right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori and leftist contender Roberto Sanchez are projected to be tied in an upcoming runoff election, according to a new Ipsos Peru poll.

The survey indicates that both candidates would receive around 38% of the vote in a second round scheduled for June 7, marking a deeply polarized political contest following the first round held on April 12.

Fujimori, daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, currently leads the fragmented race after a slow and disputed vote count that has triggered tensions and accusations of irregularities. However, electoral observers from the European Union have stated that there is no evidence supporting allegations of fraud raised by some political actors.

With nearly 96% of ballots counted, Fujimori leads the first round with 17%, while Sanchez holds 12%. A close battle is also unfolding for second place, with ultra-conservative candidate Rafael Lopez Aliaga trailing narrowly behind Sanchez by a small margin.

If Lopez Aliaga were to advance instead of Sanchez, polls suggest Fujimori would lose in a hypothetical runoff, highlighting the volatility of voter preferences.

The Organization of American States has backed Peru’s electoral authorities, rejecting calls for new elections and urging full respect for the democratic process and the will of voters.