Ruptly

'For the good and improvement of our country!' - Madrid's Peruvian diaspora casts key votes in tightly contested presidential runoff

"Peruvian diaspora voters in Madrid headed to polling stations on Sunday for the decisive second round of Peru’s presidential election, with the IFEMA exhibition centre serving as a key overseas voting hub. Footage shows long queues of voters waiting to cast their ballots in a tightly contested runoff between Keiko Fujimori of Fuerza Popular and Roberto Sanchez of Juntos por el Peru. Madrid has emerged as a major electoral centre for Peru’s overseas vote, reflecting the growing scale of the Peruvian community in Spain, now numbering more than 260,000 people. The election is unfolding against a backdrop of deep political polarisation, with voters choosing between two sharply contrasting visions for the country’s future. Fujimori has campaigned on stability and continuity, while Sanchez has focused on social change and addressing inequality. Fujimori remains one of the most divisive figures in Peruvian politics, contesting a fourth presidential runoff. Her candidacy continues to generate both strong support and sustained criticism linked to the legacy of her father, former president Alberto Fujimori, as well as long-standing allegations of institutional influence and political polarisation. "I have read a lot of information about both candidates, and personally, yes, I would go with JP, Roberto Sanchez," said Pedro, a Peruvian voter in Madrid. "We are voting to improve our country, which is facing political, economic and social problems." He added that insecurity remains a key concern for many Peruvians abroad, with hopes that the next government will deliver stability and allow migrants to eventually return home. "I hope the problem we are going through gets resolved, especially the extortion that exists today,” he said. “Many of us came here for a better life." Other voters expressed divided opinions on the candidates and the political direction of the country. "May it be better than before," said David Hurtado, who voted for Keiko Fujimori. "Like any human being, we make mistakes and can change. We have to wait and see what she does." However, Ricardo Cordova criticised Fujimori’s political record and influence, saying he believed she represented a continuation of 'dictatorship'. "It is so worrying," he said. "She is not just the daughter of a dictator. She has influence over institutions, and many people feel she should be held accountable." He added that while he does not believe Sanchez is a complete solution for Peru, the country remains deeply divided and politically fragmented. Fujimori secured 17 percent of the vote in the first round in April, while Sanchez received 12 percent, setting up a runoff under Peru’s electoral system on June 7, which requires a second round if no candidate surpasses 50 percent of the vote."