Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez delivered their closing campaign speeches in Lima on Thursday, formally ending activities before the presidential runoff [1, 3].
The outcome of the election remains uncertain as the two candidates represent opposing ideological poles during a period of significant political instability. With recent polling showing a technical tie and a slight advantage for the leftist candidate, the final appeals to undecided voters could determine the next administration [3].
Fujimori, 51, focused her final address on national reconciliation [1]. The right-wing candidate said supporters should move past division, stating that the country should not "quedarnos atrapados en el odio, en el insulto" — remain trapped in hatred and insults [1].
Sánchez, 57, centered his closing remarks on the promise to end the political chaos that has characterized recent years in Peru [1]. The nationalist candidate said his victory would mark the end of the current turmoil [1].
Both candidates spoke before thousands of supporters at large rally venues across the capital [1, 3]. The events served as the final opportunity for the candidates to mobilize their bases and secure the remaining undecided votes before the runoff election [1, 2].
Fujimori and Sánchez have spent the campaign highlighting their starkly different visions for the country's governance and economy [1, 2]. While Fujimori appeals to conservative values and stability, Sánchez has positioned himself as the alternative to the established political order [1, 2].
““Quedarnos atrapados en el odio, en el insulto.””
The technical tie between a right-wing conservative and a nationalist leftist suggests a deeply polarized electorate. Because the candidates' platforms are diametrically opposed, the winner will likely face a challenging legislative environment, regardless of who takes office, as the narrow margin of victory may fail to provide a strong mandate for sweeping reform.
