Presidential election in Peru: explosive duel between the radical left and Keiko Fujimori in the second round

Leftist candidate Roberto Sanchez will face Keiko Fujimori in the second round of Peru's presidential election in June, according to official results released Friday after a full month of counting. This contest promises to be particularly tense in a country marked by profound political instability and strong polarization.

Roberto Sanchez obtained 12,03% of the vote in the first round, narrowly beating right-wing candidate Rafael Lopez Aliaga, who received 11,90%. The close count fueled accusations of fraud, notably from Lopez Aliaga, the former ultra-conservative mayor of Lima, who contested parts of the electoral process.

Keiko Fujimori, a leading figure of the Peruvian right and daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, came out on top with 17,18% of the vote in a highly fragmented election. This is her fourth presidential bid, in a context where her name continues to deeply divide Peruvian public opinion.

The second round now pits two radically different political visions against each other. Roberto Sanchez is leading a campaign supported by former left-wing president Pedro Castillo, currently imprisoned, and is advocating a program that worries financial markets and the business community. Several investors fear a more interventionist economic shift should the left win.

Analysts warn of an extremely polarizing election, even though a significant portion of voters seem to yearn for more moderation and stability after years of repeated political crises. Peru has seen several presidents and impeachment attempts in recent years, fueling deep distrust of institutions.

This new presidential election is therefore seen as a decisive moment for the country's future. Between the controversial candidacy of Keiko Fujimori and the rise of a left-wing movement supported by Pedro Castillo, Peru is preparing for a highly charged campaign before the final vote in June.