Keiko Fujimori Leads Peru's Presidential Election Amid Voting Disarray

In the recent presidential election held on April 12, 2026, Keiko Fujimori, a right-leaning candidate, emerged as the frontrunner with 16.6% of the vote according to early exit polls conducted by Ipsos Peru. She was closely followed by leftist candidate Roberto Sanchez, who garnered 12.1%, and center-left candidate Ricardo Belmont, who received 11.8%. However, the election was marked by significant logistical issues, with many voters experiencing delays at polling stations, leading to uncertainty about the final results.

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The National Jury of Elections (ONPE) attributed the voting problems to a private company responsible for ballot delivery, which failed to fulfill its obligations. Initially, ONPE reported that only 1% of polling stations faced delays, but this figure later rose to 30%. Ultimately, while 99.8% of polling sites opened, approximately 63,000 voters in Lima were unable to cast their ballots. The situation raised concerns about the legitimacy of the election, with Rafael Lopez Aliaga, another right-leaning candidate, claiming that as many as 1 million voters may have been disenfranchised.

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Keiko Fujimori, the daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, is known for her tough-on-crime policies and pro-market stance, appealing to investors. In contrast, Roberto Sanchez has proposed significant changes to Peru's market-friendly constitution, which could create apprehension among investors if he advances to the runoff. Other candidates include Jorge Nieto, a center-right sociologist, and Rafael Lopez Aliaga, both of whom are seen as potential challengers to Fujimori in the second round.

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The ONPE has committed to counting 60% of the votes by midnight following the election, although the delays may complicate this goal. The electoral authority is expected to release a quick count later on April 13, with full official results anticipated in the coming days. Fujimori's campaign has expressed confidence in her ability to advance to the runoff, while the lack of clarity regarding her opponent remains a point of contention.

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Critics of the election process, including Lopez Aliaga, have voiced strong concerns about the handling of the election, likening it to a "banana republic." He has previously criticized ONPE's leadership and suggested that the electoral process was flawed. The situation has led to calls for transparency and accountability in the electoral system, especially given the disenfranchisement of voters.

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As the election results continue to unfold, the two candidates with the highest votes will advance to a runoff scheduled for June 7, 2026. The ongoing counting process and potential challenges from losing candidates under new electoral regulations, which allow for recounts, may further complicate the political landscape in Peru.

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• “Voting is compulsory in the Andean nation of 35 million people.” — ONPE Official Statement

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