Peruvian president urges Congress to approve early polls

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte addresses lawmakers after being sworn-in at Congress in Lima, Peru on Dec 7, 2022. (PHOTO / AP)

LIMA – Peruvian President Dina Boluarte on Friday called on Congress to move general elections forward to December 2023, in order to get the country out of the "quagmire" with near-daily protests.

The Peruvian government initially proposed holding the elections in April 2024, rather than a previously scheduled date in 2026. The proposal was already approved by the legislature in December.

With support growing among lawmakers to bring the elections forward even earlier to December 2023, a Congressional debate on the issue will be held in February

With support growing among lawmakers to bring the elections forward even earlier to December 2023, a Congressional debate on the issue will be held in February. At least 87 votes in favor are needed to pass the new proposal since it is a constitutional reform.

ALSO READ: Peru arrests 200 in Lima; Machu Picchu ordered closed

Advancing the elections to later this year could help Peru "get out of this quagmire we're in," Boluarte said Friday after participating in an event, noting protests continued in Peru with "more violence" in the streets.

"No one has any interest in clinging to power and I, Dina Boluarte, have no interest in remaining in the presidency any longer," she said.

Political unrest in Peru was sparked on Dec 7, when Boluarte took office following the ouster of her predecessor Pedro Castillo. The Peruvian Congress impeached Castillo just hours after his failed attempt to dissolve the legislature. Castillo was then detained by security forces.

READ MORE: Over 50 injured in Peru as protests cause 'nationwide chaos’

Among the protesters' demands are early elections and Castillo's release from custody.

source https://eastmud.com/latest-news/peruvian-president-urges-congress-to-approve-early-polls/