With rising crime on their minds, Peruvians vote for president yet again
Peruvians voted in a tight runoff election between Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez, with crime and corruption dominating concerns after neither candidate secured a majority in April. Fujimori, linked to her disgraced father’s authoritarian legacy, and Sánchez, an ally of jailed former President Pedro Castillo, proposed differing strategies to combat rising crime, particularly extortion linked to illegal gold mining.
Peruvians cast ballots Sunday in a highly anticipated runoff election to choose their ninth president in 10 years, with crime and security top priorities. Keiko Fujimori, a conservative and daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, and Roberto Sánchez, a nationalist congressman and ally of jailed ex-President Pedro Castillo, faced off after neither secured over 20% of the vote in April’s first round. Voting is mandatory for Peruvians aged 18 to 70, with over 27 million registered voters, including 1.2 million abroad. Crime, particularly extortion linked to illegal gold mining in the Andes and Amazon, remains the dominant issue. A 2025 survey found 84% of urban respondents feared becoming crime victims within a year. Fujimori proposed tracking extortion via technology, militarizing borders, and requiring prisoners to work, while Sánchez focused on police reforms and military support for security. Fujimori, 51, defended her father’s legacy in the sole debate before the runoff, comparing her anti-crime stance to his fight against the Shining Path extremist group. Sánchez, 57, wore a peasant hat gifted by Castillo, emphasizing rural support and anti-corruption measures within law enforcement. Polling showed Fujimori and Sánchez each with around 17% and 12% support in April, with 30% undecided. Authorities took over a month to declare the runoff winners, and results may take days to finalize. Food vendor Magali Quiquia, 44, cast a blank ballot, criticizing both candidates for failing to address corruption and crime effectively.
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