LIMA — Peruvians headed to the polls on Sunday in a presidential runoff election between Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sanchez, with the winner set to become the country’s ninth president in a decade.
Fujimori, representing the right-wing Popular Force party, secured 17% of the vote in the first round held in April, while Sanchez of the leftist Together for Peru party received 12% in a crowded field of more than two dozen candidates.
Fujimori, 51, is the daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, who ruled Peru from 1990 to 2000. Her campaign has focused on tackling rising crime and violent extortion, while promoting foreign investment and reducing bureaucratic hurdles for businesses.
Sanchez, 57, previously served as a minister under former President Pedro Castillo. He has campaigned on expanding state oversight of Peru’s natural resources, introducing a wealth tax on the country’s richest citizens and drafting a new constitution.
The runoff comes amid prolonged political instability in Peru, which has seen eight presidents take office over the past decade.
The winner of Sunday’s vote will be sworn in on July 28 and serve a five-year term.
Source: Saudi Gazette