Peru’s Presidential Runoff Stalemate: Fujimori Holds Slim Lead as Ballot Review Continues

With 98.5 % of votes tallied, ONPE shows right-wing Keiko Fujimori (Popular Force) leading left-wing Roberto Sánchez (Together for Peru) by a margin that various sources place between 900 and 18,300 votes. Fujimori’s share hovers above 50 % while Sánchez’s remains below.

Buenos Aires Times

The runoff follows a decade of rapid turnover: eight presidents have served since 2016, many facing criminal charges. Fujimori is the daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori; Sánchez aligns with jailed ex-president Pedro Castillo, whose 2022 self-coup attempt remains a polarising legacy.

Peru's presidential runoff remains undecided as Keiko Fujimori clings to a 1,500-vote lead with ballots under review

More than 1,500 tally sheets—covering about 400,000 votes—have been flagged, mainly in Lima and among overseas ballots from the US and Japan. A three-member Special Electoral Jury reviews each sheet; simple errors are corrected, while complex disputes trigger public hearings and appeals to the Constitutional Tribunal. The process could extend into mid-July.

Reuters

Fujimori called for calm, urging respect for the legal process and “reflection and serenity.” Sánchez demanded a joint recount, citing alleged irregularities in Lima and abroad, and pledged to use channels. ONPE officials said the review follows established procedures and may take weeks. OAS and EU observers said the vote was orderly and urged patience.

Keiko Fujimori maintains slim lead as challenger demands recount in Peru's tightening presidential runoff

Sánchez’s team questioned overseas vote validity and sought to nullify about 2,400 polling stations, a request rejected for incomplete paperwork. Supporters organized a peaceful “Taking of Lima” rally; Fujimori also urged lawful, non-violent protests.

Keiko Fujimori maintains slim lead as challenger demands recount in Peru's tightening presidential runoff

Sources list Fujimori’s share as 50.051 %, 50.010 %, 50.005 % or 50.003 %; Sánchez’s margin ranges from 900 to 18,300 votes. Contested ballots are reported as 1,500-1,600 sheets or up to 480,000 votes, with final certification dates ranging from July 15 to month-end.

Buenos Aires Times

• “Transparency, respect for the popular vote, democracy, zero controversy – that means revealing actions where we believe and suspect, with evidence, that something is amiss,” — Roberto Sánchez, news conference, Lima

Keiko Fujimori maintains slim lead as challenger demands recount in Peru's tightening presidential runoff

• “We are going to wait for the final ONPE count before making a statement. I receive these new results with serenity and great gratitude,” — Keiko Fujimori, journalists at her home

Buenos Aires Times

• “In our country, citizens have the right to march, to express their differing opinions. Everything is guaranteed, but this must be within the framework of the law, the Constitution, and with respect for other citizens,” — Keiko Fujimori, response to demonstration

Keiko Fujimori maintains slim lead as challenger demands recount in Peru's tightening presidential runoff

The Special Electoral Jury will keep reviewing flagged sheets through early July; any party may then appeal to the Constitutional Tribunal. The certified winner is expected to assume the presidency on 28 July, ending a runoff that has kept Peru on the brink of another transition.

Reuters