In a significant political development, Keiko Fujimori, the daughter of Peru’s former president and a prominent conservative figure, was officially announced as the victor in the country’s recent presidential runoff election on Friday.
At age 51, Fujimori is set to assume the presidency later this month, marking her as Peru’s ninth leader within a decade. This triumph comes after her determined effort in four separate campaigns amidst Peru’s enduring political turmoil.
Fujimori expressed her gratitude to her supporters through a message shared on the platform X, celebrating the election’s conclusion.
Keiko Fujimori, leader of Peru’s conservative faction, delivered remarks at her Popular Force party’s headquarters following her presidential win on Friday. (Reuters)
“I am deeply thankful for the trust millions of Peruvians have shown me. We now embark on a new chapter, approaching it with responsibility, humility, and a profound sense of service,” she stated. “Every day of this transition offers a chance to listen and engage, preparing us for the new administration’s commencement. We will use these platforms to keep you updated on this phase and the ongoing efforts. I invite you to be part of this journey with us.”
The Plenary of the National Elections Jury on Friday proclaimed Keiko Fujimori the winner of the presidential runoff after the June 7 election in Lima, Peru. (Reuters)
Peru’s top election authority certified the results Friday. Fujimori received 9,223,000 votes, or 50.14% of the total, while nationalist Congressman Roberto Sánchez earned over 9,173,000 votes, or 49.87%, The Associated Press reported.
Fujimori made it to the runoff after defeating 33 other candidates in April.
Supporters of Keiko Fujimori of the Fuerza Popular party shout slogans outside the Lima Convention Center ahead of her debate with Roberto Sánchez in Lima May 31, 2026. (Connie France/AFP via Getty Images)
Her election came amid concerns from voters about surging crime, especially extortion by violent organized crime gangs. Fujimori has pledged to act tough on crime with an “iron fist.”
She is the daughter of the late Alberto Fujimori, the former president whose government in the 1990s defeated the Shining Path extremist rebel group but also took an authoritarian turn.
He was convicted in 2009 of human rights abuses in the fight against the rebels and, later on, corruption charges. His legacy within Peru remains deeply divisive.
Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori waves at his home in Santiago after leaving the academy for the training of corrections officers in Santiago, Chile, May 18, 2006. (AP Photo/Claudio Santana, File)
On Tuesday, the State Department congratulated the younger Fujimori.
“The Trump administration looks forward to deepening collaboration with the Fujimori administration to advance security cooperation and to strengthen bilateral cooperation on investment and trade in our region,” the statement read.