LIMA, Peru — Peruvians are preparing to vote in a presidential runoff election under the shadow of escalating crime, with surging extortion, homicides and organized criminal activity emerging as the dominant issue in the campaign between conservative candidate Keiko Fujimori and left-leaning rival Roberto Sánchez. Official election authorities have scheduled the runoff for June 7, following a fragmented first round that left voters deeply concerned about public security and political stability.
Across the country, residents report growing fear as criminal groups expand their influence beyond traditional strongholds. In cities such as Trujillo, extortion demands have become a routine threat for market vendors, transportation workers and small business owners, many of whom say they receive little protection from authorities. The Associated Press reported that extortion complaints have increased sharply in recent years while homicide levels have also climbed nationwide.
Security Crisis Shapes the Election
Public safety has become the central issue for voters as Peru confronts one of its most significant crime waves in recent decades. Government figures cited by the Associated Press show that extortion reports have multiplied over the past five years, while homicides reached more than 2,200 cases in 2025. Criminal organizations have targeted businesses, schools and transport operators, often demanding payments in exchange for protection.
The violence has fueled frustration with state institutions. Residents interviewed by AP described a climate in which kidnappings, contract killings and intimidation have become increasingly common, particularly in urban areas where gangs operate openly. Some businesses have invested heavily in private security as confidence in law enforcement declines.
Candidates Face Pressure to Deliver Solutions
The runoff pits Fujimori, leader of the Fuerza Popular party and daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, against Sánchez, a former minister representing the Juntos por el Perú coalition. Neither candidate secured enough support to win outright in the first round, making coalition-building and voter turnout critical in the final contest.
Crime has dominated campaign messaging from both camps. Candidates have pledged stronger action against criminal organizations, though critics and security specialists cited by AP have questioned whether existing institutions possess the resources needed to reverse current trends. Police units investigating extortion cases reportedly face shortages of funding, technology and personnel, limiting their effectiveness.
Organized Crime Expands Its Reach
Authorities and researchers have linked the growth of criminal networks to the profitability of illegal mining operations and other illicit activities that generate substantial revenue for organized groups. AP reported that criminal organizations have increasingly diversified their operations, extending extortion schemes into sectors previously considered less vulnerable.
The unequal impact of the security crisis has also become a political issue. Wealthier districts often maintain stronger private security measures, while lower-income communities remain more exposed to criminal activity. Residents in affected neighborhoods say the disparity has deepened concerns about inequality and government effectiveness.
Stability Remains a Broader Concern
The election takes place against a backdrop of prolonged political turbulence. Peru has experienced frequent leadership changes and institutional instability over the past decade, contributing to public dissatisfaction with political elites and state institutions. The next president will face pressure not only to address crime but also to restore confidence in governance.
As voters prepare to cast their ballots, security concerns continue to overshadow traditional campaign issues. For many Peruvians, the runoff has become less a contest of ideology than a test of which candidate can offer a credible response to a worsening climate of fear and violence.
