Keiko Fujimori enters the 2026 runoff as one of the most recognizable and divisive figures in Peruvian politics. The daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, she is seeking the presidency for a fourth time after three previous unsuccessful bids. Her candidacy has revived long-standing debates about her father’s legacy: Supporters credit him with restoring economic stability while critics point to corruption, human rights abuses, and authoritarian rule. Few politicians better illustrate the deep political divisions that continue to shape Peru.

Peru has earned a reputation for a so-called “presidential curse” with eight presidents taking office since 2016. Corruption scandals, impeachment proceedings, resignations, and even an attempted self-coup have contributed to the country’s extraordinary leadership turnover. But the turmoil is not solely the result of troubled leaders. Peru’s constitution gives Congress broad authority to remove presidents for “moral incapacity,” a vaguely defined provision that lawmakers have repeatedly used against presidents they oppose.