Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Lima on May 30, 2024, to protest the presidential candidacy of Keiko Fujimori [1].

The rallies highlight deep societal divisions in Peru as the country prepares for a high-stakes runoff election. Opponents fear a return to the authoritarian governance associated with the Fujimori family name.

Protesters filled the streets of Lima on Saturday night, eight days before the scheduled runoff on June 7, 2024 [1], [3]. While some reports described the crowd as hundreds of people [2], other sources said that thousands of demonstrators took part in the rallies [1].

The demonstrations focused on Keiko Fujimori's defense of her father, Alberto Fujimori. Protesters said they fear she will continue her father's authoritarian legacy, and criticized her record on human rights [5].

These public displays of opposition occur during a critical window of the campaign. Data indicates that around 30 percent of voters remained undecided ahead of the candidates' debate [5]. The runoff will determine who leads the nation, pitting Fujimori against her rival, Sanchez [3].

The atmosphere in the capital remained tense as the election approached. The movement against Fujimori has utilized the slogan "Never Again" to signal their rejection of the family's political influence in Peru [2].

“Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Lima on May 30, 2024, to protest the presidential candidacy of Keiko Fujimori.”

The scale of the protests in Lima underscores the enduring polarization of the Peruvian electorate regarding the Fujimori legacy. With a significant portion of the electorate remaining undecided, the visibility of these rallies suggests that the human rights record of the Alberto Fujimori era continues to be a primary driver of political mobilization and voter sentiment in the 2024 election cycle.