Peru: No Early Elections Despite Crisis

Peru’s Congress voted on Thursday to reject the possibility of early elections and a referendum on a new constitution. Both congress and the President will hold on to power until 2024, despite the political crisis facing the country.  

The Peru Libre party, which nominated Pedro Castillo for the presidency in the 2021 elections, proposed the initiative. They received just 48 votes in favor and 75 against, with one abstention. The proposal needed at least 87 votes to pass. Right-wing parties hold a majority in congress, a majority that was also used to carry out a legislative coup against Pedro Castillo.

Peru Libre’s proposal would have led to presidential and legislative elections on the second Sunday of July 2023, in addition to holding a referendum for the population to approve or reject the call for a Constituent Assembly.

Early elections may have provided a short-term solution to the protests that have been raging across Peru following the coup against President Pedro Castillo. The demands of the mobilizations are; early elections, a constituent assembly and new constitution, the resignation of the unelected president Dina Boluarte, the closure of Congress, and the release of Pedro Castillo. 

A general strike in the south of the country has been ongoing ever since January 4th. In response, the Boluarte regime has used the police and military to repress social movements, this has led to the deaths of more than 60 protesters, as well as hundreds injured and arrested.

By Kawsachun News

For more news and analysis, check out our podcast Latin America Review: https://linktr.ee/latinamericareview

Website hosting sponsored by Metro Imaging (UK) Ltd. Large Photo Printing and Giclee printing for Artists

Website Designer Developer Colchester Essex