Sanchez Narrowly Challenges Fujimori in Peru’s Tight Run‑off

A new survey shows that left‑wing candidate Roberto Sanchez is edging closer to a tie with conservative contender Keiko Fujimori as Peru heads into its second presidential round. The Ipsos poll, taken on June 3, reports Sanchez with 43. 8 % of the vote while Fujimori trails slightly at 43. 2 %. Both figures fall within a 2. 1 % margin of error, meaning the race remains essentially even. Sanchez, who has been linked to former President Pedro Castillo and recently softened his campaign language, is gaining traction among voters who want a more progressive agenda. Fujimori, the daughter of ex‑president Alberto Fujimori and a seasoned politician running for her fourth time, is still seen as the pro‑market favorite. She won only 17 % in the first round, whereas Sanchez captured just over 12 %.The latest poll also reveals that about 13 % of respondents plan to cast a blank or void ballot, showing that a small but significant portion of the electorate is still uncertain. In an earlier Ipsos survey from May 31, Fujimori led at 38 % and Sanchez at 35 %, with a large share of voters undecided. Peruvian law prohibits the publication of opinion polls in the final week before an election, though surveys can still be conducted. This restriction means that official numbers may not reflect the very latest shifts in public opinion. The outcome of this tight race could reshape Peru’s political landscape, determining whether the country will lean toward a left‑leaning administration or maintain its current market‑oriented policies.