Peru's Former First Lady Keiko Fujimori Vies for the Presidential Seat for the Fourth Time
Keiko Fujimori, who began her political journey as Peru's First Lady when she was only 19 years old, is once again trying her luck in the presidential race. As the eldest daughter of the late ex-president Alberto Fujimori, she first stepped into the political limelight during an event in 1994, where she appeared alongside her father. This marked the start of a political career that has seen her make multiple attempts to secure the presidency.
From First Lady to Presidential Candidate
Keiko's political ambitions were born out of a family scandal that saw her mother, the late Susana Higuchi, publicly accuse her father's government of mishandling international donations. Keiko, who was then 19, stepped into her mother's shoes as Peru's First Lady. Today, at 51, she is making her fourth bid for the presidency in a runoff election, having previously suffered three consecutive losses in 2011, 2016, and 2021.
Running against the leftist contender Roberto Sánchez, Keiko believes she stands a better chance of winning this time around. Some pollsters even predict she might have a slight lead. The conservative candidate insists that she offers the best solution to restore stability to the Peruvians and rescue the country from its ongoing political and institutional crisis.
Keiko's Political Journey
Keiko's journey into politics began earnestly in 2000 when she became a congresswoman. She later founded the political party Fuerza Popular and found herself imprisoned for 13 months while under investigation for alleged corruption and claims that her presidential campaigns were financed by illicit money. She has consistently denied these allegations.
In 2025, the case against her was declared null and void. Keiko argues that she faced a decade of political persecution.
Learning from Past Mistakes
Having lost a closely contested election against former President Pedro Castillo in 2021, Keiko has acknowledged the mistakes she made in her political career. She believes she has learned valuable lessons and returned stronger. This time around, she is projecting a more reserved and calm image, with moderate political positions.
Her Father's Legacy
Keiko's father, Alberto Fujimori, left a mixed legacy that has polarized Peru for decades. His tenure as president from 1990 to 2000 saw him pull the country back from the brink of economic collapse and defeat the Shining Path and MRTA terrorist groups. However, his government was also marred by allegations of human rights abuses and corruption, resulting in him being sentenced to prison in 2009 for crimes of aggravated homicide and bodily injury. He died in 2024 after numerous legal battles and public controversy over his health condition.
Public Sentiment
Keiko's association with her father's controversial legacy has sparked protests against her candidacy. However, her critics argue that regardless of whether she wins or loses, she shares the blame for the political instability and corruption that Peru has experienced in recent years.
Despite this, some believe that she is better prepared this time around and has a higher chance of winning. They argue that she has demonstrated commitment to respect the constitution, proposes a market economy, and is committed to addressing social issues.
With voting mandatory in Peru and the second round of voting coming up, many Peruvians remain undecided, while others are choosing between what they perceive as "the lesser evil". Regardless of the outcome, Keiko's fourth bid for the presidency marks a significant chapter in her political journey that began more than thirty years ago.
Keiko Fujimori, who began her political journey as Peru's First Lady when she was only 19 years old, is once again trying her luck in the presidential race. As the eldest daughter of the late ex-president Alberto Fujimori, she first stepped into the political limelight during an event in 1994, where she appeared alongside her father. This marked the start of a political career that has seen her make multiple attempts to secure the presidency.
From First Lady to Presidential Candidate
Keiko's political ambitions were born out of a family scandal that saw her mother, the late Susana Higuchi, publicly accuse her father's government of mishandling international donations. Keiko, who was then 19, stepped into her mother's shoes as Peru's First Lady. Today, at 51, she is making her fourth bid for the presidency in a runoff election, having previously suffered three consecutive losses in 2011, 2016, and 2021.
Running against the leftist contender Roberto Sánchez, Keiko believes she stands a better chance of winning this time around. Some pollsters even predict she might have a slight lead. The conservative candidate insists that she offers the best solution to restore stability to the Peruvians and rescue the country from its ongoing political and institutional crisis.
Keiko's Political Journey
Keiko's journey into politics began earnestly in 2000 when she became a congresswoman. She later founded the political party Fuerza Popular and found herself imprisoned for 13 months while under investigation for alleged corruption and claims that her presidential campaigns were financed by illicit money. She has consistently denied these allegations.
In 2025, the case against her was declared null and void. Keiko argues that she faced a decade of political persecution.
Learning from Past Mistakes
Having lost a closely contested election against former President Pedro Castillo in 2021, Keiko has acknowledged the mistakes she made in her political career. She believes she has learned valuable lessons and returned stronger. This time around, she is projecting a more reserved and calm image, with moderate political positions.
Her Father's Legacy
Keiko's father, Alberto Fujimori, left a mixed legacy that has polarized Peru for decades. His tenure as president from 1990 to 2000 saw him pull the country back from the brink of economic collapse and defeat the Shining Path and MRTA terrorist groups. However, his government was also marred by allegations of human rights abuses and corruption, resulting in him being sentenced to prison in 2009 for crimes of aggravated homicide and bodily injury. He died in 2024 after numerous legal battles and public controversy over his health condition.
Public Sentiment
Keiko's association with her father's controversial legacy has sparked protests against her candidacy. However, her critics argue that regardless of whether she wins or loses, she shares the blame for the political instability and corruption that Peru has experienced in recent years.
Despite this, some believe that she is better prepared this time around and has a higher chance of winning. They argue that she has demonstrated commitment to respect the constitution, proposes a market economy, and is committed to addressing social issues.
With voting mandatory in Peru and the second round of voting coming up, many Peruvians remain undecided, while others are choosing between what they perceive as "the lesser evil". Regardless of the outcome, Keiko's fourth bid for the presidency marks a significant chapter in her political journey that began more than thirty years ago.