A chilling message from a criminal gang to a bus company in a poor suburb of Lima, Peru’s capital, has become all too familiar: “If you don’t meet our demands, we will kill your drivers.” This threat, which preceded an armed attack on a bus driver, is just one of nearly 30,000 extortion incidents reported in Peru in 2025.
The issue of rising crime and insecurity has become a top concern for voters in Sunday’s presidential election, with right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori and left-wing candidate Roberto Sánchez vying for the top spot. Fujimori has campaigned on a “tough-on-crime” platform, while Sánchez has promised sweeping changes to the state and higher public spending.
Crime and Insecurity in Peru
In Lima’s suburb of San Juan de Lurigancho, dusty hilltop neighborhoods are plagued by extortion and violence, with armed police guarding the gate to the bus depot where the attacked driver works. The head of security at the depot reports that five drivers from their company have been attacked, with one killed and another left in a vegetative state.
Fears of insecurity have driven other Latin American nations to elect leaders who promise a hardline approach to law and order. Fujimori has declared “war” on extortionists, promising to deploy the military against organized crime and control prisons. Her supporters argue that a heavy-handed approach to insecurity is necessary, while Sánchez’s supporters believe that his proposals will bring economic stability and benefit ordinary people.
Election Implications
Despite having a relatively stable economy, Peru has churned through eight presidents in the last 10 years, and voters are fatigued by the instability. The election has significant implications for the country’s future, with Fujimori’s free market approach pitted against Sánchez’s proposals to review mining contracts and increase corporate taxes.
The outcome of the election will have far-reaching consequences for Peru, with the potential to impact the country’s relationships with foreign investors and its ability to tackle crime and corruption. As Peruvians head to the polls, they are weighing their options carefully, seeking a leader who can bring stability and security to a country plagued by violence and extortion.
