Peru's conservative president-elect Keiko Fujimori has claimed victory in a closely contested election, promising to restore stability in a nation plagued by political upheaval. Meanwhile, over 100 Venezuelan deportees from the United States have gone missing following devastating earthquakes that struck their temporary hotel in La Guaira.

Fujimori's Election and Promises

Keiko Fujimori, daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, won the presidential runoff against left-wing candidate Roberto Sanchez by a narrow margin of fewer than 50,000 votes. The final results were released after intense scrutiny of contested ballots, with the National Electoral Jury set to officially confirm the outcome on July 3. Fujimori, who will assume office on July 28 for a five-year term, campaigned on a platform focused on addressing rising crime and political instability, which has seen Peru change presidents eight times in the last decade. She has vowed to restore "order and hope" amidst concerns over extortion and violence.

The election was marked by significant historical context, as Fujimori's father, who ruled from 1990 to 2000, was known for his controversial methods in combating terrorism and economic turmoil. Despite her efforts to soften her image, many Peruvians remain wary of the Fujimori legacy, complicating her path to leadership.

Venezuelan Deportees in Crisis

In a separate incident, more than 100 Venezuelans recently deported from the United States faced a life-threatening situation after earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck La Guaira, where they were temporarily housed. The deportees had arrived on a flight from Miami just hours before the disaster. Survivors, including Lisbeth Portillo, recounted harrowing experiences as the hotel collapsed around them, leaving many trapped under rubble.

Portillo, who managed to escape with others, described the chaos that ensued as people fled the building. She and other deportees walked for kilometers in search of safety, eventually reaching a national guard facility where they could contact relatives. The Venezuelan government has reported over 1,700 fatalities from the earthquakes, raising concerns about the safety of those who had just returned to their home country after being deported.

The deportees had been taken to the Hotel Santuario La Llanada for processing, where they were to receive medical examinations and identification documents. However, the earthquake struck shortly after they were settled in. Portillo described the terrifying moments as the building shook and collapsed, leaving her with injuries but a renewed sense of survival.

Wrap-up

The election of Keiko Fujimori marks a significant shift in Peru's political landscape, reflecting a broader trend of conservative victories across Latin America. In parallel, the plight of Venezuelan deportees highlights the urgent humanitarian challenges faced by individuals returning to a country grappling with natural disasters and economic hardship. Both situations underscore the complexities of governance and human rights in the region.

Sources
theguardian.com
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team