Insecurity and Instability Drive Voters in Peru’s Tight Presidential Race

Insecurity and instability drive voters in Peru – Peru’s upcoming presidential election is increasingly shaped by concerns over crime and safety, as citizens grapple with a surge in extortion and violence. In the heart of Lima, a city already marked by its economic disparities, a bus driver named Toño recounted a harrowing encounter with armed assailants. “They shot me in the legs and abdomen,” he said, describing how his life was upended after a criminal gang demanded $15,000 from his company. The attack, which left him unable to work for four months, has left lasting scars—both physical and psychological. “Although my wounds are dry, internally I feel pain,” Toño added, expressing his fear of returning to the streets. His story is emblematic of a broader crisis, as nearly 30,000 such extortion cases were reported in 2025 alone, many directed at small businesses and transport workers in marginalized areas.

“If you don’t meet our demands, we will kill your drivers.”

San Juan de Lurigancho, a district in Lima known for its rugged terrain and high crime rates, has become a hotbed of extortion. Armed police now patrol the bus depot where Toño works, a measure that reflects the district’s reputation as the city’s most dangerous area. Despite the security presence, Toño remains cautious, insisting that the next president must prioritize “a strong hand against crime.” He has even considered leaving the country if his family’s safety is not guaranteed. “I’ve never been so afraid to leave my young children,” he said, highlighting the personal toll of the security crisis.

In this climate of fear, the presidential race has intensified. Keiko Fujimori, the daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, is running for a fourth term against Roberto Sánchez, a left-wing candidate promising transformative changes. Fujimori’s campaign hinges on her pledge to combat crime through strict measures, including deploying the military against organized gangs and reforming the prison system. Her rhetoric echoes her father’s legacy, a period marked by both economic stability and accusations of human rights violations. Sánchez, meanwhile, advocates for expanding the state’s role in public services and renegotiating mining contracts to benefit local communities. The contrast between their platforms has galvanized voters, particularly in regions where the impact of economic policies is felt most acutely.

Presidential Candidates and Their Platforms

Fujimori’s strategy centers on restoring order, a promise that resonates with voters weary of decades of political turbulence. Her supporters emphasize her father’s record of stabilizing the economy, a feat that helped Peru become a key exporter of copper and other critical minerals. “For economy stability, we choose Keiko Fujimori,” said Janeth, a supporter at one of her rallies. Yet, critics argue that her tough-on-crime policies may prioritize law enforcement over social welfare, a trade-off that remains a point of contention.

Sánchez, on the other hand, positions himself as a reformer, aiming to address systemic inequalities. He has proposed raising corporate taxes, increasing the minimum wage, and giving the state greater control over natural resources. These ideas have unsettled financial markets, but his supporters, like María Elena Linares, insist they will not destabilize the economy. “We are going to nationalise, but we are also going to accept foreign countries that want to contribute to our country,” Linares argued, challenging the notion that foreign investment is threatened by his policies.

Both candidates have drawn on historical narratives to shape their campaigns. Fujimori’s rallies often reference her father’s era, when economic growth was accompanied by a harsh crackdown on dissent. “Our country is overflowing with crime,” Piero, a Fujimori supporter, declared, underscoring the belief that a decisive approach is necessary. Meanwhile, Sánchez’s backers, such as Raúl, envision a more equitable future, advocating for expanded state investment in health, education, and infrastructure beyond urban centers. Their vision contrasts sharply with Fujimori’s focus on restoring law and order.

Economic Stability and Resource Management

Peru’s economy has remained relatively stable over the past decade, despite eight presidents coming and going. This resilience is partly due to the country’s role as a major exporter of minerals like copper, which have fueled growth. However, many Peruvians question whether this stability has translated to tangible benefits for ordinary citizens. Fujimori’s supporters argue that her free-market policies have attracted US investment, reinforcing the idea that economic strength requires a firm hand on crime. “Our raw material, our gold, our copper, goes to other countries,” Toño lamented, “and we are experiencing misery.”

Sánchez’s proposals challenge this view, suggesting that the wealth generated by natural resources is not fairly distributed. His plans to review mining contracts and increase corporate taxes have sparked debate, with opponents fearing economic downturns. Yet, his backers believe these changes are essential for addressing the gap between urban prosperity and rural poverty. The tension between these perspectives mirrors the broader divide in Peru, where voters must weigh security against economic equity.

Public Sentiment and Political Movements

The security crisis has not only shaped policy debates but also influenced political movements. Last year, Gen Z protests erupted, with young activists accusing the government of failing to tackle corruption, crime, and inequality. These demonstrations underscored a growing frustration with the status quo, particularly among those who feel marginalized by economic policies that favor large corporations over local communities. Meanwhile, the recent judicial ruling that allows Roberto Sánchez to face trial for alleged undeclared campaign finances adds another layer of scrutiny to the race.

Despite the rising tensions, the election remains a pivotal moment for Peru. With no party holding a majority in Congress, the political landscape is already fragmented, contributing to frequent presidential impeachments. Fujimori’s party, though the largest minority bloc, faces challenges in uniting a divided electorate. For many, the choice between her and Sánchez is not just about policy but about the kind of future they want. As the campaign intensifies, the issue of insecurity—personified by the threat to drivers like Toño—has become central to the discourse.

Fujimori’s campaign has sought to frame her as the ideal leader for an era of chaos, declaring “war” on extortionists and vowing to collaborate with financial institutions to cut off criminal networks. Her supporters, however, remember Alberto Fujimori’s tenure for its economic achievements, even as they acknowledge his authoritarian tendencies. “We are choosing a leader who can bring stability,” said Janeth, a voter in San Juan de Lurigancho. The question remains: will her policies address the root causes of insecurity, or will they merely delay the inevitable? As the election approaches, the answer may determine the direction of Peru’s future.

In the end, the race reflects a nation at a crossroads. The voters, weary of instability, are looking for leadership that promises both security and prosperity. Whether Fujimori’s hardline approach or Sánchez’s progressive agenda will prevail depends on how effectively each candidate addresses the anxieties of everyday citizens. For Toño and others like him, the stakes are clear: a president who can protect their livelihoods and families may be the only hope for a safer, more stable Peru.