Tight race with near equal support
The presidential race in Peru is still too close to call. Early tallies show a virtual tie between two major candidates.
Left leaning candidate Roberto Sánchez is slightly ahead with about 50.3 percent. His rival Keiko Fujimori follows closely with around 49.7 percent.
Official counting is still underway with more than 91 percent of votes processed.
Early data shows a divided country
The polling firm Ipsos released early figures that mirror past elections in Peru, where final outcomes took days or even weeks to confirm.
The numbers suggest a country split almost evenly between two political visions. Urban voters, especially in Lima and coastal areas, largely supported Fujimori. Rural regions and the Andes showed stronger backing for Sánchez.
Competing claims from both campaigns
Sánchez told supporters that the early results reflect a strong public push for change and stronger democratic governance.
Fujimori urged patience and warned against drawing conclusions before all ballots are fully counted. She described the race as a dead heat and stressed that every vote must be reviewed.
Political background shaping the vote
This election also reflects Peru’s ongoing struggle with crime and political instability. These issues influenced many voters more than traditional party loyalty.
Sánchez has also spoken about seeking a presidential pardon for former president Pedro Castillo, a controversial figure in recent Peruvian politics.
Fujimori remains one of the most recognizable figures in the country. She is running for the presidency for the fourth time.
Her father, Alberto Fujimori, remains a divisive figure. Supporters credit him for strong action against insurgency and social programs. Critics point to human rights abuses during his time in office.
What happens next
With such a narrow gap, officials are expected to carry out detailed verification and possible recounts. Final confirmation could take several days or even weeks depending on disputed ballots.
