Peru elects 1st woman President:Keiko Fujimori became First Lady at 19, left studies, served jail term and kept party united

Peru has elected its first woman president, with right-wing leader Keiko Fujimori securing a narrow victory in the presidential election. Contesting the presidency for the fourth time, the 51-year-old won around 50.1% of the vote, edging out left-wing candidate Roberto Sanchez, who received 49.9%. Keiko is scheduled to be sworn in as Peru’s president on July 28. She is the daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori and will take office at a time when the country faces rising crime, corruption and prolonged political instability. Childhood shaped by political violence Keiko grew up during one of Peru’s most turbulent periods. During the 1990s, when her father Alberto Fujimori was president, the country was battling attacks by the extremist group Sendero Luminoso. The presidential palace was considered a potential target, forcing Keiko and her siblings to spend extended periods living in bunkers for security. Despite the constant threat of bomb attacks, Alberto Fujimori reportedly insisted that his children continue attending school, believing education should not be interrupted by violence. Became First Lady at 19 In 1994, Keiko was studying at Stony Brook University in the United States when her parents separated following a public dispute. Her mother, Susana Higuchi, accused associates of then-President Alberto Fujimori of corruption and political interference. Following the separation, Keiko returned to Peru and, at the age of 19, was appointed First Lady after her father removed her mother from the role. She became one of the youngest First Ladies in the world. During her time in the presidential palace, Keiko reportedly redecorated parts of the residence in her favourite colour, pink. Although she faced criticism over her youth and lack of political experience, she dismissed such criticism as expected. Jailed over campaign finance case Keiko’s political career has also been marked by legal troubles. She was jailed in 2018 as part of an investigation into alleged money laundering and illegal election financing and remained in custody for about 13 months before being released. During her imprisonment, Keiko wrote letters to her two daughters, encouraging them to continue their studies, remain strong and support one another. She later said the letters helped both her daughters and herself cope with the difficult period. Following her release, Keiko returned to active politics and eventually secured victory in her fourth bid for Peru’s highest office. ​