Keiko Fujimori vows to unite a Peru ‘split in two’ as run-off lead holds

Right-wing ⁠candidate Keiko Fujimori said on ⁠Wednesday she would seek to ⁠unite a Peru “split in two” if she takes office, after razor-thin election results gave her enough votes to secure what appears to be an insurmountable lead in the presidential run-off.

Fujimori, a four-time presidential hopeful and the daughter of late former president Alberto Fujimori, said ‌she would make an “open call” to experienced technocrats to form her first cabinet, as she seeks to fulfil campaign promises to curb crime and tackle deep inequality.

The 51-year-old politician opened up an unbeatable advantage late on Tuesday over her leftist rival Roberto Sanchez following the June 7 run-off, which took weeks to resolve because of challenges to ballots and the late arrival of ⁠votes from abroad.

Although Fujimori stopped short of declaring victory, she spoke about her first steps in a ‌potential government while awaiting the official announcement of the winner, which electoral authorities are expected to make by mid-July.

“We are aware that Peru is divided, that it ‌is practically split in two,” Fujimori told a news conference.

“Starting on July 28 [inauguration day], ⁠what you will be able ⁠to see are actions and decisions that will be taken not only to restore order, but to confront crime and ‌also to bring progress,” she said.