Peru president-elect Fujimori calls for reconciliation after narrow win

Peru's conservative president-elect Keiko Fujimori called on Wednesday for political reconciliation after receiving her presidential credentials from the electoral body in Lima. Fujimori, 51, won the June 7 presidential runoff by a very narrow margin over leftist Roberto Sanchez and is due to succeed interim leader Jose Maria Balcazar on July 28.

Fujimori said national reconciliation did not mean ignoring political differences, but building on areas of agreement. She called on political forces, state institutions and unions to work together, saying no government could move Peru forward while feeding division.

Peru has had eight leaders in a decade of instability. Fujimori is the daughter of the late former president Alberto Fujimori, whose legacy remains divisive in Peru. Alberto Fujimori ruled from 1990 to 2000, was exiled, and was jailed for corruption and crimes against humanity committed in the name of fighting what he considered terrorism.

Sanchez rejected Keiko Fujimori's call for reconciliation. Speaking to supporters in Lima, he said Fujimori should first ask for forgiveness.

Political scientist Eduardo Dargent said Fujimori's first challenge after taking office would be to ensure governability and deliver on campaign promises to restore order on crime. Fujimori does not have a majority in Congress. During the campaign, she promised a hardline security approach, including military deployments and tougher prisons, in response to rising extortion and violent crime.

Some voters expressed support for her promises, while others rejected her government. TV repair technician Fernando Cumana said he trusted Fujimori to deliver, while Sanchez supporter Silvia Quintana said she did not believe Fujimori and did not recognize her government.