What to know about Peru’s presidential runoff election

Peru is holding its presidential runoff election Sunday, June 7, 2026, in what is shaping up to be one of the country's most consequential votes in years. The runoff pits Keiko Fujimori, leader of the conservative Popular Force party, against Roberto Sanchez of the left-leaning Together for Peru party, a contest that could shape Peru's political direction for years to come.

Fujimori, making her fourth consecutive runoff appearance, secured 17 percent of valid votes in the first round from a crowded field of 35 contenders, while Sanchez narrowly clinched second place. The road to this runoff was rocky: the first round was marred by logistical problems that prompted electoral authorities to extend voting by one day.

Many Peruvians hope this election will bring an end to a decade of political instability that has seen four presidents in the last four years and eight in the last ten years. Key issues driving voters include rising crime, economic anxiety, and concern over democratic institutions. Whoever wins will be sworn in on July 28 to replace interim President Jose Maria Balcazar.

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