Peruvian shamans gathered in Lima on Monday to perform a traditional blessing ritual for the two candidates contesting the country’s presidential runoff election, scheduled for next weekend.
The vote is seen as a pivotal moment for Peru, a nation that has experienced years of political instability and a succession of presidents removed from office amid corruption allegations.
The ceremony, a longstanding custom carried out at the beginning of each year and ahead of major elections, took place along Herradura Beach in Lima’s Chorrillos district. Shamans assembled by the shoreline while displaying posters of the two presidential contenders.
The runoff race pits Keiko Fujimori, the conservative daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, against Roberto Sánchez, a nationalist congressman and former minister. Polls show the two candidates running a closely contested race ahead of Sunday’s vote.
In the first round of voting held in April, Fujimori secured just over 17% of the vote, while Sánchez received approximately 12%, advancing to the runoff from a crowded field of candidates. The election process was marked by logistical difficulties that prevented thousands of voters in Peru and abroad from casting ballots, and electoral authorities required several weeks to confirm the final runoff contenders.
During Monday’s ritual, the shamans used a variety of symbolic items, including flower petals, fruits, coca leaves, fragrant palo santo wood, black tobacco, swords and dolls. The ceremony also featured drumming and the lighting of colorful flares.
“The ritual we perform is primarily intended to ensure that the best candidate is the one who represents our Peru,” said shaman Andrés de los Santos, who had traveled to Lima from the north of the country.
Although no predictions were offered during this year’s ceremony, Peruvian shamans have previously made forecasts regarding political developments. At the end of 2025, they predicted that Venezuela’s then-President Nicolás Maduro would no longer remain in office by the end of 2026.
Whoever wins Sunday’s runoff will become Peru’s ninth president in a decade, succeeding José María Balcázar, who assumed office in February. Balcázar replaced interim leader José Jerí, who was removed from office following corruption allegations just four months into his tenure.
Peru’s next president is scheduled to take office on July 28 and will serve a five-year term.
