Alberto Fujimori, the 85-year-old former president of Peru, has announced his intention to run for president in the 2026 elections of the country, despite a legacy marred by corruption scandals and human rights violations. His daughter, Keiko Fujimori, who has unsuccessfully run for president three times, revealed the news on Sunday, drawing attention to her father, who was released from prison in December after an appeals court reinstated his pardon.
However, Fujimori’s candidacy is fraught with legal and political uncertainties. Legal experts and analysts are questioning the viability of his run due to his previous convictions. “A presidential pardon has exonerated him from prison, but his legal status is of someone who hasn’t finished his sentence,” said Anibal Quiroga, a constitutional lawyer. He explained that Article 33 of Peru’s constitution removes the political rights of individuals who have been given prison sentences after criminal convictions.
In addition to his legal challenges, Fujimori owes $15 million in civil damages over three separate cases. Experts assert that his candidacy will ultimately be decided by the country’s electoral authority. Quiroga warned, “Fujimori’s political ambition without measuring the consequences could put the country in uncertainty again.”
Peru’s political landscape is highly fragmented, with at least 30 parties registered for the 2026 contest. Gonzalo Banda, a Peruvian political analyst, suggests that Fujimori is attempting to re-establish his party as the dominant right-wing force in the country.
In recent elections, Keiko and the Fujimori political movement distanced themselves from the convicted ex-president, adopting a more moderate image and apologising for the errors committed during his presidency. However, after multiple electoral defeats, Banda notes a “reversal” towards traditional hard-right policies.
The elder Fujimori’s announcement signals a return to the party’s right-wing roots, particularly at a time when crime and violence are major concerns for voters.
Peru’s upcoming election will require a candidate to secure a majority of 50% to win in the first round. If no candidate achieves this, the top two finishers will proceed to a run-off. Fujimori’s entry into the race adds another layer of complexity to an already turbulent political environment, reflecting the enduring influence of his controversial legacy.
Melissa Enoch
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