Fujimori Holds Narrow Lead Ahead of Peru Runoff Election, says Ipsos polls

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LIMA: Right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori holds a narrow lead over leftist rival Roberto Sanchez exactly one week before Peru's presidential runoff. According to two major national polls released on Sunday, the conservative candidate maintains a slim advantage ahead of the upcoming June 7 vote.

An Ipsos poll conducted between May 29 and May 30 reveals that Fujimori is projected to capture 38 percent of the vote, while Sanchez is predicted to secure 35 percent. A separate poll conducted by Datum Internacional between May 26 and May 30 shows a comparable spread, putting Fujimori ahead at 39.8 percent and Sanchez trailing at 35.9 percent.

The ultimate outcome of the race remains highly dependent on uncommitted citizens. The Ipsos study highlighted that the number of people who say they will not vote for any candidate or intend to spoil their ballot has risen to 27 percent. 

According to polling experts, the political logic of choosing the "lesser evil" will ultimately determine who wins the executive office for the 2026–2031 presidential term.

This high-stakes runoff follows a heavily fractured first-round election held on April 12. Fujimori, who is making her fourth bid for the presidency, advanced from the initial round with 17 percent of the votes. Sanchez, a prominent ally of jailed former leftist President Pedro Castillo, narrowly clinched his second-round spot with 12 percent of the votes.

Photo Credits:  AFP