Keiko Fujimori Becomes Peru's First Elected Woman President

Keiko Fujimori becomes Peru's first-ever female President by winning a national popular election after defeating left-leaning presidential candidate Roberto Sánchez in the run-off election.

On July 28, 2026, when Peru celebrates its Independence Day, Keiko will take office as the first female president of Peru, elected by the citizens. The day of inauguration is truly an important day for Peru and its democracy, putting on her shoulders the difficult task of guiding one of the most unstable democracies in Latin America to new heights.

Her inauguration day is of pivotal importance as she takes charge when Peru faces political instability and economic uncertainties.

The National Jury of Elections (JNE) declared her the winner after a thorough scrutiny of disputed votes. The final result shows that Keiko, who leads the Fuerza Popular Party, managed to secure 50.135% of the valid votes, totaling 9,223,396 votes, while Sánchez got 49.865%, amounting to 9,173,755 votes.

Key Highlights:

• Keiko Fujimori becomes Peru's first woman elected president by popular vote
• Fujimori wins by just 49,641 votes after a closely contested runoff election
• She takes office on July 28, pledging unity, security, and economic recovery

The election affirms the success of her fourth attempt at winning the presidency after previously losing attempts in 2011, 2016, and 2021. Having endured over ten years of tightly fought elections and setbacks, she has now succeeded in making a major comeback, thus establishing herself as one of the greatest political figures in Peru.

The presidential elections clearly highlighted the highly polarized political climate in Peru. In her campaign, Keiko promised to restore public security, bring back investments both local and international, and control the soaring crime rates in the country. The election served as a reflection of Peru's deeply divided political landscape, following years of political turbulence and recurring changes in government.

Once elected, she has stressed reconciliation and explained that her plan of government will serve all Peruvians without consideration of their political leanings.

She reiterated her promise to work on economic development, creation of jobs, and increase in security for the people, and good governance. But at the same time, there executing the work will be a challenging program for her government.

While the financial market is full of positivity, economists have warned that the new regime is bound to encounter an economic terrain that will be tough to navigate. Besides dealing with budgetary constraints and sustainability of public finance, there will also be a need to prepare for any impact from an emerging El Niño weather condition.

Keiko’s political identity is intertwined with that of her father, who also served as Peru’s President. Alberto Fujimori was among the most controversial politicians in Peru. Indeed, his presidency was praised by his supporters for his achievements and criticized by others because of his violations.

Even with this tremendous achievement, Keiko takes office in a politically volatile environment that has endured years of institutional instability and dissatisfaction from the populace. From 2016 to date, the country of Peru has had 10 presidents. This indicates that Peru has experienced continuous political volatility, which has been defined by impeachment, turnover, and confrontation.