Peru Former President Alberto Fujimori to Join the 2026 Presidential Race, Says Daughter

Alberto Fujimori, the polarizing former president, has declared his intention to run for the country's highest office once again in the 2026 Peru election.

This announcement comes despite legal prohibitions and significant public controversy surrounding his candidacy, according to AP News.

Fujimori, 85 years old, served as Peru's president from 1990 to 2000.

His tenure was marked by both praise for his economic reforms and severe criticism for human rights abuses and authoritarian governance.

After his presidency, Fujimori faced numerous legal challenges, including extradition and imprisonment for corruption and human rights violations.

In December, Fujimori was controversially pardoned after serving part of a 25-year sentence for human rights abuses and corruption.

The pardon, initially granted in 2017 and reinstated by Peru's Constitutional Court last year, sparked widespread protests and renewed debate over justice and accountability in Peru.

Rebuilding a Political Legacy

Since his release from prison, Peru former President Alberto Fujimori has been actively working to reshape his public image.

Utilizing social media platforms and public appearances, he has sought to highlight his achievements in stabilizing Peru's economy and combating the Maoist guerrilla group, the Shining Path, Bloomberg reports.

Despite these accomplishments, his presidency was tainted by accusations of authoritarianism and corruption, leading to his eventual conviction.

An Ipsos poll conducted recently revealed a stark division among Peruvians regarding Fujimori's return to politics.

While some supporters view him as a strong leader capable of addressing economic challenges, many others oppose his candidacy due to concerns about his past actions and their implications for democratic governance.

In addition to public sentiment, Fujimori's health concerns have also come into focus.

Earlier this year, he disclosed a recurrence of tongue cancer, a condition he has battled before.

In July, he underwent hip replacement surgery following a fall, raising questions about his physical ability to undertake the rigors of a presidential campaign.

Legal and Ethical Challenges

Legal obstacles loom large over Fujimori's political ambitions, Aljazeera noted.

Peruvian law prohibits individuals convicted of corruption from seeking public office, a rule that directly impacts Fujimori's candidacy.

Despite the pardon, which critics argue was politically motivated, questions remain about the legality of his participation in the upcoming presidential 2026 Peru election.

Moreover, Fujimori's legacy is marred by accusations of human rights abuses.

His administration's crackdown on the Shining Path insurgency included controversial tactics that led to international condemnation and legal repercussions.

The lingering effects of these actions continue to shape public opinion and legal proceedings against him.

Meanwhile, Peru former President Alberto Fujimori's daughter, Keiko Fujimori, herself a prominent political figure, faces separate legal challenges.

Currently on trial for alleged money laundering tied to the Odebrecht corruption scandal, she maintains her innocence but faces a potentially lengthy prison sentence if convicted.

Despite her legal battles, Keiko has pledged her support for her father's presidential bid, emphasizing her role as a party leader and distancing herself from the vice presidency.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Alberto Fujimori released: Peru's former president freed on humanitarian grounds - From Al Jazeera English