Latin America
Peruvian Congress paves way for snap elections
Supporters of former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo march in the capital, Lima. photo
© Martin Mejia/AP/dpa
After President Castillo was removed from office, the situation on the streets of Peru escalated. The new government makes do with more rights of intervention for the police and military – and new elections are scheduled.
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 yesterday voted by a large majority in favor of 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.
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 around two dozen people were killed in clashes with the police.