09.06.2026 09:52
With more than 95% of votes counted in Peru's presidential runoff, leftist candidate Roberto Sanchez has taken the lead over rival Keiko Fujimori with 50.11% of the vote. Sanchez, widely expected to win the election, delivered the message that "the time for change has come in Peru," while the results are also critically significant for the influence struggle between the US and China in South America.
As vote counting continues in the second round of Peru's presidential election held on June 7, leftist candidate Roberto Sanchez has taken the lead.
According to data released by the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE), 95.22% of the ballots have been counted. Results show Sanchez receiving 8,884,280 votes, reaching 50.11%, while his right-wing rival Keiko Fujimori obtained 8,842,993 votes, staying at 49.88%.
"TIME FOR CHANGE IN PERU HAS COME"
Speaking to supporters at San Martin Square in the capital Lima, Sanchez said they would carefully monitor the process until official results are announced.
Sanchez stated, "I thank the indigenous communities, peasants, workers, and the most vulnerable segments of society who believe in change in Peru. The data shows us ahead, but we will wait for the official results to be announced."
QUICK COUNT ALSO SHOWS SANCHEZ AHEAD
The joint quick count results from independent election monitoring organization Transparencia and research firm Ipsos also revealed that Sanchez is in the lead.
According to the quick count, Sanchez received 50.3% of the votes, while Fujimori's vote share was measured at 49.7%.
The winning candidate will assume office on July 28 with a swearing-in ceremony as required by the constitution.
USA AND CHINA WATCHING CLOSELY
The elections are being closely monitored not only for Peru's domestic politics but also for global power dynamics.
Peru, which has become one of China's most important investment hubs in South America in recent years, is the world's second-largest copper producer. The country also stands out with strategic mineral reserves such as lithium and gold.
The Chancay Mega Port, recently inaugurated by China, is also cited among the factors increasing Peru's geopolitical importance.
DISAPPOINTMENT IN TRUMP CAMP
It is known that the Donald Trump administration has established closer ties with right-wing and center-right governments in Latin America. The rise of right-leaning leaders in countries such as Argentina, Paraguay, Ecuador, and Chile had increased Washington's influence in the region.
However, the leftist candidate Roberto Sanchez's approach to victory in Peru is seen as a harbinger of a new era in the region's political balances.