Second round will be closely fought in Peru

Significance

A second round will take place on June 5, between Fujimori and Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, who came second. Both espouse orthodox economic policies. The business sector is relieved that Kuczynski beat Veronika Mendoza, the candidate of a revived left.

Impacts

• Issues surrounding the JNE's erratic role in the campaign are likely to dissipate.
• Problems of campaign funding may surface in the second round, possibly to Fujimori's detriment.
• Mendoza has managed to rebuild Peru's left, overcoming some of the ideological divisions of the past.
• The results are a further setback for APRA, Peru's oldest party.