Peru polls open in Keiko Fujimori, Roberto Sanchez presidential run-off

Polls have opened in Peru’s presidential run-off , culminating an election season marred by confusion and protest.

Issues of crime, corruption and voter disillusionment following years of political turmoil loomed large over Sunday’s vote, which saw right-wing candidate and former First Lady Keiko Fujimori face off with leftist congressmember Roberto Sanchez.

Both are running to be the South American country’s ninth leader in a decade, with Peruvian leaders regularly toppled by forced resignations or impeachment in recent years.

How the elections are administered will also be closely watched after logistical issues and a lengthy vote count challenged trust in the process during the first round of voting. The April 12 election featured 35 candidates.

Following that vote, Fujimori easily asserted her place in a two-person run-off with 17 percent of the vote. But it took weeks for Sanchez to be named her competitor with 12 percent support.

The third-place candidate, Lima’s far-right former Mayor Rafael Lopez Aliaga, has alleged fraud in the count, although election monitors have found no evidence to back up the claim.

Speaking to AFP news agency, voter Evelyn Pazos said she was hoping Sunday’s vote would go smoothly.

“I hope the entire process is carried out transparently, that the people’s vote is respected,” the 43-year-old said.