"Fujimori never again!" Protesters fill streets of Lima ahead of Peru presidential elections
Protesters in Lima marched against Keiko Fujimori's presidential runoff bid on June 7, fearing authoritarianism revival due to her father Alberto Fujimori's controversial legacy. Fujimori, leading Fuerza Popular, faces leftist Roberto Sánchez in a polarized election seen as a referendum on the Fujimori family's political influence.
Hundreds of protesters filled the streets of Lima on Saturday, chanting "¡Fujimori nunca más!" as they marched against the candidacy of Keiko Fujimori, whose potential election has reignited fears of a return to authoritarian rule in Peru. The demonstrations, which unfolded just days ahead of the presidential runoff on 7 June, reflect deep public unease over the possibility of a Fujimori family restoration, nearly two decades after the end of Alberto Fujimori’s divisive presidency. Critics argue that Keiko Fujimori’s campaign, built on the legacy of her father’s controversial 1990s government, threatens Peru’s democratic institutions and human rights progress.
Keiko Fujimori, leader of the Fuerza Popular party, secured the highest number of votes in the first round of the election held on 11 April. She now faces left-wing candidate Roberto Sánchez, a former labour minister representing the Peru Libre party, in the decisive second round. While Sánchez has positioned himself as a champion of social reform, the runoff has become a polarising contest, with Fujimori’s opponents framing the vote as a referendum on her family’s political influence. Critics point to her father’s 2009 conviction for human rights abuses, corruption, and authoritarian governance as a warning of what could follow should she win.
The protests on Saturday underscored broader societal divisions, with demonstrators carrying signs condemning both the Fujimori dynasty and what they see as the erosion of democratic norms. Human rights organisations have also voiced concerns, citing Keiko Fujimori’s past statements and legislative record as evidence of a potential rollback on accountability for past abuses. Meanwhile, her supporters argue that her policies—focused on economic stability and security—offer continuity in a time of political instability.
As Peru prepares to cast its ballots, the election has become more than a contest between two candidates; it is a defining moment for the country’s democratic future. With polarisation running high and memories of authoritarian rule still fresh, the outcome of the runoff will determine whether Peru turns a new page or risks reopening old wounds.
