Peru's Second-Generation Japanese President Elected; Japanese Media Heavily Covers the Story

The electoral authority of South America's Peru officially announced on the 3rd that, in the runoff voting of the presidential election held on June 7th, Keiko Fujimori (51), the eldest daughter of the late former president Alberto Fujimori and a right-wing candidate, had won. Keiko Fujimori, a third-generation Japanese Peruvian, has finally secured the presidency after her fourth run for office and will be inaugurated on the 28th of this month. The Fujimori family has deep ties with Japan—especially renowned is former President Alberto Fujimori's actions in resolving the "Japanese Embassy Hostage Crisis" that occurred in December 1996. This is why Japanese media are particularly attentive to the election of his daughter as the new president.

Asahi Shimbun published on July 4th an article titled: "Third-Generation Japanese Keiko Fujimori Declares Victory in Peru Presidential Election." It stated that since her father, former President Alberto Fujimori, was once ousted and went into exile abroad, she will become the first Japanese-descended political figure in Peru to serve as president across two generations—father and daughter.

TBS NEWS published on July 4th an article titled: "Keiko, Daughter of Former President Fujimori, Officially Elected Peru's President After Winning Runoff Vote — Opponent’s Left-Wing Candidate Sanchez Camp Alleges 'Election Fraud.'" The report said:

"Amid deeply polarized public opinions regarding her father, the former president Fujimori, Keiko Fujimori has finally succeeded after her fourth attempt."

Kyodo News reported under the headline: "Fujimori Elected Peru’s President; Electoral Authority Officially Announces Results — Father and Daughter Both Serve as Presidents." It noted: "She will follow in her father’s footsteps as the second-generation Japanese-descended individual to hold the presidency, serving a five-year term. As a third-generation Japanese Peruvian, Keiko Fujimori, after four presidential campaigns, has finally fulfilled her lifelong dream by winning a fiercely contested election."

"In April this year, during an interview with Kyodo News, she said: 'I will spare no effort to further strengthen relations between Peru and Japan.' She also expressed gratitude toward the Japanese government and people for their long-term support in building schools and other aid projects, and conveyed her desire to visit Japan as soon as possible."

Alberto Fujimori served as president from 1990 to 2000, gaining fame for his tough governance, including vigorous crackdowns on left-wing guerrilla groups and successful control of rampant inflation.

In December 1996, the "Japanese Embassy Hostage Crisis" erupted at the Japanese Embassy in Peru. Members of the left-wing anti-government armed group Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA) seized the embassy, taking hostage hundreds of diplomats, government officials, and corporate executives attending the Emperor’s birthday reception.

On April 22, 1997 (Heisei 9), under the direct command of President Alberto Fujimori, Peruvian military forces launched a surprise assault operation named "Operation Chavin de Huantar," infiltrating the embassy through a secret underground tunnel. During the rescue mission, all 14 armed militants were killed, most hostages were freed safely, but two Peruvian soldiers and one hostage—a member of Peru’s Supreme Court—were tragically killed in crossfire.

The Fujimori family remains one of the most polarizing political families in Peru. Alberto Fujimori was sentenced to 16 years in prison for human rights violations; Keiko Fujimori herself has long been under judicial investigation over campaign finance issues.

According to data released by the electoral authority, Keiko Fujimori received 50.135% of the votes, while her opponent, left-wing candidate and former Minister of Trade and Tourism Roberto Sánchez (57), received 49.865%. With approximately 18 million valid votes cast, the difference between them amounted to about 50,000 votes.

Source: rfi

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1869773292426250/

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