Polls opened across Peru on Sunday as voters cast ballots in a presidential runoff between right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori and leftist congressmember Roberto Sanchez, concluding a contentious election season marked by political instability, public disillusionment and concerns over the electoral process.
The vote comes as Peru seeks its ninth leader in a decade, following years of resignations, impeachments and institutional turmoil.
Crime, corruption and distrust in political institutions have dominated the campaign, while election authorities face scrutiny after logistical problems and a prolonged vote count during the first round in April.
More than 27 million Peruvians are eligible to vote, although millions abstained or cast blank and spoiled ballots in the first round, highlighting widespread voter dissatisfaction.
Fujimori, 51, is making her fourth attempt to win the presidency after previous defeats in 2011, 2016 and 2021.
The leader of the Popular Force party has campaigned on restoring security, combating crime and imposing a tougher law-and-order agenda.
She has also sought to project a more moderate image during the campaign while distancing herself from the confrontational style that marked previous bids for office.
Her candidacy remains closely linked to the legacy of her father, former President Alberto Fujimori, whose government continues to divide Peruvians.
In recent days, protesters gathered in Lima to oppose her candidacy, while supporters argue she is best positioned to restore stability and investor confidence.
Sanchez, 57, has presented himself as an advocate for rural and Indigenous communities, promising anti-poverty initiatives, police reform and a new constitution developed through public participation.
The former minister has also pledged reparations for victims of Alberto Fujimori’s government and measures aimed at increasing accountability within security institutions.
Hours before voting began, a judge ruled that Sanchez must stand trial over allegations related to past financial irregularities in his political party, a decision his allies criticized as interference in the electoral process.
Observers say the runoff may ultimately be decided by undecided and disaffected voters.
Many Peruvians have described the choice as one between competing visions for the country, while others have indicated they are voting for what they view as the “lesser evil” amid continuing frustration with the political establishment.