Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sanchez faced each other in a televised presidential debate in Lima on June 2, 2026 [2].
The encounter serves as a critical juncture for both candidates to sway undecided voters before the second round of the Peruvian elections. With the race remaining tight, the debate provides a platform to contrast divergent visions for the country's economic and security futures.
The event took place at the Centro de Convenciones de Lima in the San Borja district [3]. The structured debate lasted two hours, divided into four blocks of 30 minutes each [4].
Fujimori, representing the Fuerza Popular party, focused her platform on economic stability. She addressed the cost of living and energy prices during the proceedings. "Reactivaremos el Fondo para la Estabilización de Precios de los Combustibles (FEPC), para garantizar un precio estable," Fujimori said [1].
Sanchez, representing a left-leaning coalition, emphasized the need for systemic reform in public safety. He argued that the state must prioritize the visibility and quality of law enforcement in residential areas. "Necesitamos una Policía Nacional más profesional y con mayor presencia en los barrios," Sanchez said [2].
The timing of the debate follows a period of intense polling. Recent data indicates that Fujimori leads Sanchez by three percentage points [1]. Despite this narrow margin, both candidates utilized the televised forum to challenge the other's record and propose specific policy interventions to secure a majority in the runoff.
“"Reactivaremos el Fondo para la Estabilización de Precios de los Combustibles (FEPC), para garantizar un precio estable."”
The narrow three-point gap between the candidates suggests that the runoff election will be decided by a small fraction of the electorate. By focusing on fuel prices and police presence, the candidates are targeting the most immediate anxieties of the Peruvian public—inflation and crime—in an attempt to mobilize a fragmented voter base.
