From first lady to president? Inside the rise of Peru’s Keiko Fujimori | Elections News
Lima, Peru – In 1994, Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori appointed his daughter, Keiko Fujimori, to a significant role amidst a tumultuous period marked by parental divorce and allegations of deep-seated political corruption. At just 19, with her mother’s claims that her father had employed secret agents to torture her, Keiko faced a pivotal decision: accept the role of her father’s first lady.
Choosing to accept, Keiko Fujimori has since been a prominent figure in Peruvian politics, transitioning from a young woman who once painted the presidential palace pink to a leading opposition figure at the helm of the country’s most influential political party.
Throughout the past three decades, Keiko Fujimori has remained a notable presence in Peru’s unpredictable political climate, helping to dismantle various political adversaries while placing allies in key governmental positions, including the attorney general’s office and the office of the ombudsman.
However, her ambitions for the presidency have repeatedly eluded her. Keiko has competed in the last three elections, consistently losing in runoff votes to relatively unknown candidates.
Despite her difficulties, this year she appears poised for a potential victory in Sunday’s runoff election. Her performance in the April 12 preliminary election exceeded expectations, and for much of the campaign, polls indicated she held a lead over her leftist competitor, Roberto Sanchez.
Recent developments have intensified the race, as Sanchez has moderated his campaign platform in the final week, eroding Keiko’s lead, according to a Thursday poll by Ipsos. With the election now just days away, the outcome remains uncertain, with both candidates closely matched.
Eduardo Salazar, a 35-year-old hospital worker in Lima, reflected on Keiko’s political journey. “Keiko, Keiko, always Keiko,” he remarked, noting that she has been a fixture on the ballot since he was eligible to vote. Historically, he has supported her opponents but now finds himself uncertain about whom to choose.
“I think her father did some beneficial things but overall harmed the country, and I sense she shares his vision. Still, part of me considers supporting her this time just to encourage her to move on,” Salazar stated. “Because she’s not going to let the country move forward without her.”
