The political comeback of Alberto Fujimori: expectations and controversies in Peru

The political landscape in Peru has taken an unexpected turn with the recent statements by Keiko Fujimori regarding the candidacy of her father, former President Alberto Fujimori, for the 2026 general elections. After regaining his freedom last December, the former president has shown interest in returning to politics, sparking multiple speculations and controversies in the country. The announcement that Alberto Fujimori has signed his affiliation form with Fuerza Popular, the party led by his daughter, has caused a stir in the Peruvian political sphere. Keiko Fujimori has hinted that her father could run for president once again, stating that "all possibilities are open" and that she would love to see him as a candidate. However, uncertainty remains as the exact role that Alberto Fujimori would play in the upcoming elections has not been specified. In response to press inquiries, both he and his daughter have been evasive, leaving open the possibility of a presidential or senatorial candidacy, or even both. The newspaper El Comercio tried to gather more details about Fujimori's political intentions through a questionnaire, but the responses were enigmatic. When asked about his electoral aspirations, the former president simply expressed his willingness to "take all risks" and his desire to "work again for all Peruvians," without clearly defining his plans for candidacy. Amid the anticipation generated by these statements, Keiko Fujimori has defended her father's right to run as a candidate, arguing that the possibility of choosing and being chosen in a democratic regime must be respected. She has also indicated that electoral bodies will be responsible for determining the viability of Fujimori's candidacy. The possibility of Alberto Fujimori's political comeback has polarized public opinion in Peru. While some sectors applaud his potential return to the political arena, others vehemently reject it, recalling the controversial legacy of his government in the 1990s and 2000s, marked by allegations of corruption and human rights violations. In this context, the figure of Alberto Fujimori continues to be a subject of debate and controversy in Peruvian society. His potential candidacy would pose a challenge to the country's democracy, testing the capacity of electoral institutions to ensure a transparent and equitable process, as well as the political maturity of the citizenry to evaluate his track record and proposals. In conclusion, the uncertainty surrounding Alberto Fujimori's candidacy in the 2026 elections has created an atmosphere of anticipation and division in Peru. While the possibility of his return to politics stirs mixed emotions, it is essential that the debate takes place within a framework of respect for democratic norms and the right of citizens to choose their representatives with full knowledge of their backgrounds and proposals.