Peru Confirms Fujimori's Presidential Election Victory

After weeks of protests, allegations of fraud and a recount of disputed votes, the Peruvian electoral commission declared conservative candidate Keiko Fujimori the winner of the presidential election. In the runoff, she won 50.135% of the vote, against 49.865% for her left-wing rival, Roberto Sanchez. The margin was about 50,000 votes out of some 18 million cast.

Fujimori, who won the presidency on her fourth attempt, pledged to restore confidence in state institutions and build on previous successful reforms. Sanchez has refused to accept the result, alleging electoral fraud without evidence. Observers say the dispute reflects Peru's deep political polarization.

The new president will take office on 28 July as the tenth head of state since 2016. Her victory was driven mainly by voters in Lima and Peruvians living abroad. Her election was welcomed by several conservative leaders in the region as well as by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Financial markets also reacted positively, with investors expecting a continuation of current economic policies and a revival of investment, particularly in copper mining.

Fujimori is the daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, whose administration continues to divide Peruvian society to this day. The new president faces the challenging task of uniting a deeply divided country while working with a fragmented parliament.

(Reuters, Lud)