As of: 12/21/2022 4:08 a.m
The Peruvian parliament has voted in favor of early elections in April 2024. The aim is to de-escalate the political crisis in the country following the dismissal of President Castillo.
After weeks of protests against the ousting of former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo, the South American country’s Congress has cleared the way for early elections. Parliament voted by a large majority for a constitutional reform that would bring forward the 2026 presidential and congressional elections to April 2024.
The reform still has to be approved by a two-thirds majority in the second reading. Interim President Dina Boluarte supported the initiative.
Protests after Castillo’s ouster
At the beginning of the month, then-President Castillo wanted to forestall a vote of no confidence and dissolved the congress. Parliament then removed him from office. He was arrested on charges of an attempted coup and was remanded in custody.
The supporters of the former village school teacher then took to the streets, and more than 20 people died in clashes with the police.