LIMA, Peru – Election officials in Peru continue tallying votes from a chaotic weekend election as conservative candidate Keiko Fujimori maintains a slim advantage in the country’s crowded presidential contest.
Distribution problems with voting materials forced election authorities to keep polls open through Monday for thousands of citizens who couldn’t vote Sunday when numerous polling locations opened late.
According to Peru’s national electoral office ONPE, the former congresswoman commands approximately 17% of ballots cast, with half of all votes now processed. Right-wing former Lima mayor Rafael Lopez Aliaga trails closely in second place with roughly 15%, while center-left contender Jorge Nieto holds third position at around 13%.
Sunday’s exit polling had indicated Fujimori would take the early lead, though Lopez Aliaga temporarily surged ahead during earlier vote counting phases, highlighting just how competitive and unpredictable this election has become.
Fujimori is the daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, who is currently serving a prison sentence for human rights violations during his time in office.
