Peru’s presidential candidate Roberto Sánchez has visited jailed former president Pedro Castillo as officials continue counting votes in a tightly contested runoff election that remains too close to call.
The visit came during a highly tense electoral period, with Sánchez facing off against conservative candidate Keiko Fujimori in one of the closest presidential races in recent Peruvian history.
Election still undecided
With most ballots counted, the race remains extremely narrow, with both candidates separated by a slim margin. Electoral authorities are still processing final results amid national uncertainty over who will become Peru’s next president.
The election has highlighted Peru’s deep political divide, with voters split between Fujimori’s conservative platform and Sánchez’s left-leaning reform agenda.
Symbolic prison visit
Sánchez’s visit to Pedro Castillo, who is currently imprisoned following his removal from office in 2022 and later conviction, is seen as a symbolic political gesture.
Castillo remains a key figure in Peru’s political tensions, and Sánchez has previously expressed support for him, including calls for political reform and criticism of his prosecution.
🇵🇪 A country in political instability
The election is unfolding against a backdrop of ongoing instability in Peru, which has experienced frequent leadership changes and deep public distrust in political institutions over the past decade.
Analysts say the outcome could further shape the country’s political direction, especially on issues such as economic policy, corruption, and constitutional reform.
What happens next
Official results are still being finalized, and authorities are expected to continue the vote count until a clear winner emerges.
Both campaigns have urged calm as Peru awaits one of its most consequential electoral outcomes in years.
