She was a first lady at 19. Now she’s making her fourth attempt to win Peru’s presidency

She was a first lady at 19. Now she’s making her fourth attempt to win Peru’s presidency

She was a first lady at 19 – Keiko Fujimori, daughter of former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori, has made a bold return to the political spotlight. At the age of 51, she faces a crucial runoff election this Sunday, marking her fourth bid for the presidency despite three consecutive losses in 2011, 2016, and 2021. Her campaign centers on restoring stability and addressing the country’s persistent crises, a goal she believes she can achieve through a more measured approach compared to her earlier political stances.

A Political Journey Begun in Youth

Keiko Fujimori’s introduction to the world stage occurred at an early age. In 1994, she was just 19 years old and appeared alongside her father, then-President Alberto Fujimori, at the inaugural Summit of the Americas in Miami. Dressed in black, she seemed reserved and uncertain in front of the cameras, a stark contrast to the assertive leader she now seeks to emulate. This moment marked the start of Fujimori’s political journey, which began after her mother, Susana Higuchi, divorced her father. The separation followed Higuchi’s public criticism of Alberto Fujimori’s administration, which she accused of mishandling international donations linked to corruption.

Though initially a figurehead, Keiko Fujimori quickly transitioned into a more active role in politics. By 2000, she had become a member of Peru’s Congress, leveraging her family name while building her own political identity. Her rise culminated in the founding of the Fuerza Popular (Popular Force) party, which she positioned as a right-wing alternative to the leftist establishment. However, her path has not been without controversy. During her 2021 campaign against former President Pedro Castillo, she faced accusations of alleged voting fraud, which she did not immediately endorse after the first round of the election.

Controversies and Resilience

Fujimori’s political career has been shaped by both triumphs and trials. In 2005, she was implicated in a corruption scandal involving the Odebrecht construction company, which allegedly funneled money to support her presidential campaigns. She spent 13 months in prison while the case was under review, though she consistently denied the charges. In January 2025, a court dismissed the case, declaring it null and void. Fujimori cited this ruling as evidence of a decade-long political campaign against her, emphasizing her perseverance in the face of adversity.

“I know that throughout my political life I have made mistakes. I learned from them, but I also came back stronger,” she said during the final presidential debate, addressing voters with a tone of resolve. This statement reflects her attempt to reframe her narrative, positioning herself as a candidate who has evolved from a confrontational figure to a more pragmatic leader. Her campaign has sought to downplay the association with her father’s authoritarian era, which has long been a point of contention in Peru’s political discourse.

A Legacy of Division

Alberto Fujimori’s tenure as president from 1990 to 2000 left a deeply polarizing mark on Peru. His administration is credited with stabilizing the economy and defeating the Shining Path and MRTA guerrilla groups, achieving a significant victory in the country’s internal conflict. According to a truth and reconciliation commission, these efforts saved over 60,000 lives. Yet, his regime was also marred by accusations of human rights abuses and corruption, including the forced disappearances of political opponents and the misappropriation of public funds. These controversies led to his conviction in 2009, resulting in a 25-year prison sentence for aggravated homicide and bodily injury in the Barrios Altos and La Cantuta cases.

Despite his legal troubles, Fujimori’s influence on Peruvian politics remains profound. Keiko Fujimori, as the heir to Fujimorism, has often been viewed as a continuation of his legacy, which some critics argue threatens democratic institutions. However, she has sought to distance herself from these associations, portraying herself as a leader focused on order and security rather than ideological battles. “We need order — order to live, order to invest, order to work,” she asserted during the debate, framing her platform as a response to the chaos that has defined recent years.

Shifting Strategies for a New Era

In recent months, Fujimori has adopted a more calculated campaign strategy, emphasizing her ability to unify rather than divide. Political analysts note that her image has become more composed, with less emphasis on the confrontational rhetoric that characterized her earlier campaigns. Julio Carrión, a professor at the University of Delaware, told CNN that Fujimori has worked to shed the perception of being solely focused on combating communism. “This position was a fundamental mistake in 2021 because she framed her campaign as either the fight against communism or the defense of democracy,” Carrión explained. The expert argued that this binary approach alienated moderate voters, a factor that may have contributed to her loss in that year’s runoff.

While her current campaign shows a more nuanced perspective, Fujimori still faces challenges in a country where political instability has become the norm. Over the past decade, Peru has seen eight presidents, a testament to the nation’s struggles with corruption, rising crime, and institutional dysfunction. Her opponents, including leftist candidate Roberto Sánchez, argue that her leadership is necessary to address these issues, while others question whether her past ties to her father’s administration will undermine her credibility.

Fujimori’s current lead in polls suggests a shift in public sentiment. Some analysts believe her message of restoring order resonates with voters weary of uncertainty. Yet, the legacy of her father’s presidency continues to cast a long shadow. Alberto Fujimori, who died in 2024, remains a symbol of both economic resilience and political authoritarianism. His influence has created a divided electorate, with some viewing Keiko as a natural successor and others as a figure of controversy.

As the runoff approaches, Fujimori’s campaign has focused on projecting stability and accountability. She has acknowledged past errors but framed them as lessons learned, rather than failures. “I know that this election is not about me, but about the kind of government and the direction we want for the next five years,” she stated during the debate, appealing to voters seeking a clear vision for the future. Whether this message will be enough to secure her fourth victory remains to be seen, but Fujimori’s determination to reclaim the presidency underscores her enduring appeal in a nation grappling with complex challenges.

Looking Ahead: A Nation in Transition

Peru’s political landscape is in flux, with Fujimori’s campaign symbolizing a broader debate over the country’s direction. Her opponents highlight her ties to her father’s era, while she emphasizes her independent record and the need for a strong, decisive leader. As the final round of voting nears, the outcome could shape the trajectory of Peru’s governance for years to come. For Fujimori, the stakes are high: a fourth attempt to claim the presidency, a chance to redefine her legacy, and a test of whether her message of order and reform can finally resonate with the Peruvian people.