Who’s Winning Peru’s Tight Presidential Race?

One week out from Peru’s presidential runoff, the contest has tightened in ways few anticipated. Right-leaning Keiko Fujimori holds a razor-thin lead over leftist Roberto Sanchez, according to the latest polls—but the margin is closer than ever.

• Fujimori: 38% (+1 from earlier)
• Sanchez: 35% (-1 from earlier)

A surprising 29% of voters, however, now say they’ll either skip the vote or spoil their ballots—a one-point jump from the last election. The question now: Will the undecided break the deadlock?

The "Lesser Evil" Factor

With trust in both candidates low, many voters may default to picking the lesser of two evils rather than their true preference. Polling errors (2.5–2.8 points) mean the lead could flip overnight—leaving the final outcome hinging on undecideds.

Fujimori, no stranger to the race, has run three times before—including a first-round finish in April where she led with just 17%. Sanchez, tied to a jailed ex-president, squeaked into the runoff with 12%. Tonight’s debate could shift the needle—but will it be enough?

The Real Story? Distrust in the System

Almost one-third of voters refuse to back either candidate. This isn’t just apathy—it’s a rejection of the political class itself. If turnout stays low, Peru’s next president could win with less than 50% support—a fragile mandate in a deeply divided nation.

The stage is set. The question is: Will the voters show up?