Kathmandu— Keiko Fujimori has been elected president of Peru following a closely contested runoff election. Unlike previous campaigns where she distanced herself from her father's controversial past, this time she leaned into his image as a strong leader. The victory comes after four attempts at the nation’s highest office and marks a return to power for a family deeply entwined with Peruvian politics, despite decades of accusations surrounding corruption and human rights abuses.

A Family Visit Before Victory

Before casting her vote, Keiko Fujimori visited the graves of her parents, bringing flowers to both their tombs. Accompanied by her sister and daughters, she paid respects to her mother first, then to her father, Alberto Fujimori, who served as president from 1990 to 2000. The visit was seen as a symbolic gesture acknowledging the family’s complex history and responding to critics who questioned their roots in Peruvian society.

Alberto Fujimori's Rise and Fall

Keiko’s father, Alberto Fujimori, arrived in Peru as the son of Japanese migrants, adopting the surname “Fujimori,” meaning “wisteria wood.” He rose from humble beginnings, opening a florist shop before entering politics and ultimately becoming president. However, his presidency ended with a 2009 conviction for human rights abuses and corruption, resulting in a 25-year prison sentence.

A History of Family Conflict

The Fujimori family has been marked by internal conflict, most notably the public dispute between Alberto Fujimori and his wife, Susana Higuchi. Their acrimonious divorce involved accusations of misappropriated charitable donations from Japan. Keiko herself entered the political spotlight at a young age when her father appointed her as First Lady during their divorce proceedings. Higuchi later ran for president but was thwarted by what she claimed was a retaliatory campaign orchestrated by her ex-husband, and alleged that she had been tortured on his orders. The strained relationship between mother and daughter has long been the subject of public speculation.

Integrity Concerns in a Conservative Nation

Peru is a conservative country where integrity and discretion are highly valued, particularly among its elite. The ongoing family drama and accusations surrounding the Fujimoris present a challenge to these values, potentially impacting Keiko’s ability to govern effectively.

Keiko Fujimori's victory signals a continuation of her father’s political legacy, though it remains to be seen how she will navigate the challenges posed by Peru's conservative social norms and the controversies surrounding her family.

(With inputs from Jacobin)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.