Close Contest Between Fujimori and Sánchez
Peru’s presidential race remains too close to call. With 97% of votes counted, Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez are nearly tied. Fujimori, a right-wing candidate, and Sánchez, a left-wing candidate, are each seeking an edge from overseas ballots.
By Wednesday morning, Sánchez led slightly with 50.05% of the vote. Fujimori held 49.94%. The Peruvian diaspora, particularly in Florida, could play a decisive role. A political analyst noted that while Sánchez leads domestically, overseas ballots heavily favor Fujimori. This might result in Fujimori overtaking Sánchez overall.
Understanding Overseas Votes’ Impact
The National Office of Electoral Process reports that 62.5% of Peruvian expatriate votes support Fujimori. Only 37.5% favor Sánchez. Over 1.2 million eligible Peruvians live abroad, casting ballots in the second round held on June 7.
In the U.S., where the largest number of Peruvians outside the country reside, Fujimori receives 76.56% of votes, compared to Sánchez’s 23.43%. Florida, home to a significant Peruvian-American population, shows even stronger support for Fujimori. In Miami, 88.79% of votes go to her. She also leads with 86.60% in Orlando.
Why the Diaspora Votes for Fujimori
Many left Peru during the 1980s and 1990s because of political unrest and economic challenges. This era included the presidency of Alberto Fujimori, Keiko’s father, known for a free-market agenda and actions against the Shining Path guerrillas. Despite his controversial tenure marked by human rights abuses, many view his years in office as stabilizing.
Conversely, Sánchez’s political history includes ties to Pedro Castillo, ousted by Peru’s Congress. Although overseas support did not lead to a win for Keiko Fujimori in the 2021 runoff, it remains crucial in the current close race.
Significance of Overseas Votes
Though a smaller part of the total electorate, overseas votes may affect the outcome given the current margin. As of Wednesday, Miami had counted over 99.09% of its votes, while Orlando reached 80.95%. Overall, 67.47% of overseas ballots had been tallied.
In Peru, where Sánchez slightly leads with 50.2%, nearly all votes (98.21%) have been counted. Sánchez has expressed willingness to accept the results, emphasizing respect for the process. Fujimori urges patience until all votes are finalized.
The upcoming official proclamation is anticipated by mid-July due to potential challenges and recount needs, as noted by election officials. The presidential inauguration is set for July 28.
Potential Outcomes and Political Implications
No matter who wins, Peru faces potential instability. According to Dr. Christopher Sabatini, any elected leader will navigate a divided Congress. Sánchez might depend on popular support to advance his agenda. If Fujimori prevails, she could encounter opposition due to her party’s past aggressive politics.
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