Final polls released ahead of Peru’s presidential election this Sunday suggest former first lady Keiko Fujimori is poised to win the first round of voting.

Political Instability in Peru

The election takes place following a period of significant political turmoil in Peru, which has seen nine presidents in the last decade. This instability underscores the need for strong and effective governance.

Current interim president José María Balcázar, a Marxist figure, assumed office after the removal of his predecessor, Jerí. He is scheduled to be replaced by the newly elected president on July 28th. The last president to complete a full term was Ollanta Humala, whose term ended in 2016; he and his wife are currently imprisoned.

Keiko Fujimori's Campaign

Keiko Fujimori, a former first lady and senator, is leading in the polls. Her campaign centers on a platform of ‘order, economy, and social’ pillars, aiming for economic recovery similar to the policies of her father, Alberto Fujimori, during the 1990s.

Fujimori advocates for strong government intervention, deregulation, technological innovation, fiscal discipline, and a social market approach. She has also pledged to address crime and corruption.

Recent Poll Results

A Datum International poll, conducted before restrictions on publishing survey results took effect, showed Fujimori with 14.5% support. Carlos Alvarez, a comedian, followed with 10.9%, and Rafael Lopez Aliaga, a conservative former mayor of Lima, received 9.9%. A significant 16.8% of voters remain undecided.

Similar results were reported by Ipsos and CPI, suggesting Fujimori is likely to advance to a runoff election. Voters will also be electing national-level senators, congressmen, and members of the Andean Parliament.

Looking Ahead

With 35 candidates in the running, a majority win in the first round is unlikely. The election represents a crucial moment for Peru’s political future, and the runoff election promises to be a pivotal event.