Perú has been experiencing a decade of turmoil, with a recent presidential election highlighting the country’s deep polarization. On July 3, Keiko Sofía Fujimori Higuchi was certified as the first elected female President of Perú by the National Electoral Jury, securing 50.135% of the vote with 9,223,396 ballots.
This outcome shows two major aspects: Fujimori’s victory after three unsuccessful presidential bids and Perú’s profound polarization. Although the country now has a president-elect, the runoff’s narrow margin exposes a fracture that will force her administration into a constant struggle for political survival.
The current presidential instability did not begin with this election. It started after the resignation of Pedro Pablo Kuczynski in 2018, after facing the imminent threat of removal from office. Congress relied on the constitutional figure of “permanent moral incapacity” as an expedited mechanism for removing the president.
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Since then, the timeline of the political downfall can be summarized as follows:
- Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (2016-2018): Resigned amid corruption allegations and conflicts of interest.
- Martín Vizcarra (2018-2020): Assumed office as vice president, later removed via “vacancia” — a constitutional mechanism based on permanent moral incapacity.
- Mercedes Aráoz (2019): Sworn in as interim president before the Congress was dissolved by Vizcarra, resigned the following day due to a lack of legality.
- Manuel Merino (November 2020): Assumed the presidency as President of Congress, held office for 5 days, resigning after massive protests against him.
- Francisco Sagasti (2020-2021): Tasked with the transitional administration and calling for elections.
- Pedro Castillo (2021-2022): Won the elections perceived as a political outsider, his administration collapsed after a failed attempted to dissolve Congress.
- Dina Boluarte (2022-October 2025): Assumed office through constitutional succession as vice president, her administration was marked by scandals and a lack of legitimacy, ending with her removal.
- José Jerí (October 2025-February 2026): Designated interim president by Congress, removed through an expansive interpretation of the political control mechanism known as “censura”.
- José María Balcázar Zelada (February 2026-Present): Chosen by Congress after Jerí’s removal.
Fujimori will govern for the 50.135% who voted for her, but also for the 49.865% who backed Sánchez, the 1,286,232 citizens who cast null or spoiled ballots, and the 7,642,049 who abstained. Her greatest test will not be surviving this crossfire but proving that the rule of law can still function in a deeply divided Perú.
In practice, this means that Fujimori’s administration will need to balance the competing demands of different groups, while also addressing the underlying issues that have contributed to the country’s polarization. This will require a delicate balancing act, as she seeks to maintain the support of her own party while also reaching out to other groups and building a broader coalition.
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For the people of Perú, the outcome of this election is not just about the winner, but about the future of their country.
They will be watching closely to see if Fujimori can deliver on her promises and bring stability to a country that has been plagued by turmoil for so long.
The power struggle in Perú has hit its most cynical peak, with Congress demonstrating that presidential removals could be subjected to whatever interpretation suited their needs. This has created a shortcut that would require fewer votes, allowing for the removal of a president with a simple majority.
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Fujimori’s administration will need to address the deep-seated issues that have contributed to the country’s polarization. This will require a strong and effective leadership, as well as a commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society.
Perú looks to the future with a sense of determination and a commitment to democracy, and there is hope that the country can overcome its current difficulties and build a brighter future for all its citizens.
Keiko Fujimori’s victory marks a new chapter in Perú’s history, one that will be shaped by the complex interplay of political, social, and economic forces. As the country moves forward, it will be important to remember the lessons of the past, while also looking to the future with a sense of hope and optimism.
