LIMA, Jun 7 : Polling stations across Peru opened on Sunday for the second round of the presidential election and will remain open until 5:00 p.m. local time (22:00 GMT).
The runoff is between right-wing politician Keiko Fujimori and left-wing candidate Roberto S nchez of the Together for Peru party.
Fujimori, the daughter of late former president Alberto Fujimori-who was sentenced to 25 years in prison for human rights violations and corruption-is contesting the presidency for a fourth time. S nchez, meanwhile, represents a left-wing platform calling for sweeping state reforms and increased public spending, Al Jazeera reported.
The election comes amid years of political instability in Peru, where eight presidents have served over the past decade. Several elected leaders have been impeached or forced to resign by Congress, highlighting the fragile nature of executive power in the country.
Fujimori’s campaign has focused on “tough-on-crime” policies, while S nchez has pledged broader social and economic reforms. However, Fujimori has faced challenges in gaining support in rural and Indigenous communities, Al Jazeera reported.
The contest remains highly competitive, with opinion polls indicating a statistical tie between the two candidates.
Peru’s election is being closely watched across the region, as several Latin American countries have recently elected right-wing governments, while others have shifted left. Voter sentiment in Peru has been heavily shaped by concerns over rising crime, including increases in homicide and extortion, which have triggered widespread protests and contributed to political instability, including the ouster of former President Dina Boluarte.
Fujimori, who has previously attempted to distance herself from her father’s authoritarian legacy, performed strongly in the first round of voting in April after embracing his tough-on-crime approach, comparing his campaign against insurgents to today’s fight against organized crime.
This is her fourth presidential runoff attempt. In 2021, she narrowly lost the election to Pedro Castillo by around 45,000 votes, which is just over 0.2 per cent margin.
(UNI )
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