Peru's Election Showdown: A Tight Race Between Legacy and Reform

Peruvians are set to vote in a closely contested presidential runoff between conservative Keiko Fujimori and leftist Roberto Sanchez. While Fujimori leans into her father's legacy, Sanchez focuses on inequality. The election could either sustain Latin America's rightward shift or disrupt it as tensions run high.

Peruvians are heading to the polls for a tense runoff presidential election on Sunday between conservative Keiko Fujimori and leftist Roberto Sanchez. The vote will determine whether Peru continues Latin America's rightward political trend or embraces a leftist agenda that has unsettled financial markets.

Fujimori, a veteran candidate, is the daughter of former hardline President Alberto Fujimori and has campaigned on his legacy, especially his tough stance on crime. In contrast, Sanchez offers a platform focused on reform, aiming to tackle inequality and overhaul mining concessions, resonating with many voters disenchanted by the status quo.

The stakes are high amid fears of fraud and protests as both camps prepare for the possibility of a fragmented congress. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 5 p.m., with initial results expected within hours, though a full official count may take weeks.