Peru’s Roberto Sánchez Surges Ahead of López Aliaga, Approaching Runoff in Presidential Election

Original article: Perú: Roberto Sánchez, la carta de Pedro Castillo, supera a López Aliaga y roza el balotaje

According to the latest tallies, Roberto Sánchez, candidate for Juntos por el Perú, is leading over Rafael López Aliaga and is trending strongly towards advancing to the runoff election.

With 93.23% of the votes counted by Peru’s National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE) following last Sunday’s vote, the progressive candidate and ally of former president Pedro Castillo has garnered 11.98% of valid votes, equivalent to 1,884,660 votes, while the far-right leader of Renovación Popular holds 11.92% with 1,876,043 votes.

Meanwhile, Keiko Fujimori, from Fuerza Popular, maintains the lead with 17.065%, equivalent to 2,684,105 votes, securing her place in the second round scheduled for June 7. This marks the fourth attempt by the right-wing candidate to seize the presidency of Peru.

Rural Votes Key to Defining Results

According to the daily Caretas, the gap is closing in favor of Roberto Sánchez as the counting of ballots from rural areas, particularly in the south and rural zones, progresses, where his candidacy has gained significant support.

In statements to this outlet, electoral analyst José Tello Alfaro suggested that rural voting should not just be quantified, given its impact extends beyond mere numbers, emphasizing the importance of mobilization and its political consequences.

“Rural areas may not be densely populated, but there is significant mobilization of voters. A solid political effort in these zones can yield positive results, regardless of ideology,” he stated.

“The rural vote can influence the perception of the winning candidate since it endorses and resonates. If a candidate emerges from rural areas expressing a trend, it generates a contagion effect among undecided voters,” he emphasized.

Who is Roberto Sánchez, Pedro Castillo’s Candidate?

Roberto Sánchez identifies as the «Castillo presidential candidate» and his political agenda seeks to reclaim the figure of former president Pedro Castillo, of whom he was minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism.

Castillo governed Peru between 2021 and 2022 before being removed and sentenced for rebellion following an alleged failed attempt to dissolve Congress.

During his election campaign, Sánchez has promised to pardon the former president, whom he labels a victim of a “coup plot,” reform the Constitution to «restore government to the people»; nationalize natural resources, implement an emergency plan against hunger, and promote the endogenous development of the regions.

His rhetoric also focuses on the fight against poverty, social inclusion, and modernization of the country.