Story perspectives

One-Fifth of Voters Plan Null Ballots, Peru Runoff Tight

6/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Fifth of voters plan null ballots, making the 2026 runoff unpredictable.
Ipsos and Reuters polls show Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez three points apart, 13 % undecided.
Both cite crime as concern, with Keiko Fujimori promising more police and military and Roberto Sánchez pledging anti-corruption reforms and mining-contract respect.
Regions will decide the result, with Keiko Fujimori leading in Lima and north and Roberto Sánchez in south, jungle and highlands.

History

Historical Context

In the disputed 2000 presidential election, incumbent Alberto Fujimori won a third term after a runoff on 28 May that saw invalid ballots rise to 31 % amid OAS-reported irregularities. The fallout sparked nationwide protests and a 2001 transition to Alejandro Toledo. The 2026 runoff between Fujimori’s daughter Keiko and Roberto Sánchez echoes that legacy, reviving fears of electoral fraud.

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Story summary

Fifth of voters plan null ballots, making the 2026 runoff unpredictable.
Ipsos and Reuters polls show Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez three points apart, 13 % undecided.
Both cite crime as concern, with Keiko Fujimori promising more police and military and Roberto Sánchez pledging anti-corruption reforms and mining-contract respect.
Regions will decide the result, with Keiko Fujimori leading in Lima and north and Roberto Sánchez in south, jungle and highlands.

1 / 2