Peruvian Congress rejects bill to hold early elections

A bill to hold elections in December 2023 failed to pass in Peru’s Congress yesterday, prolonging uncertainty in a country beset by political instability.

With 54 votes in favor, 68 against, and two abstentions, the bill sponsored by lawmakers of the far-right Fuerza Popular party was shelved, although other proposals to bring elections forward from their current 2026 date will still be discussed in the coming days and weeks.

Peru’s interim President Dina Boluarte — who took power after the impeachment and arrest of left-wing Pedro Castillo — has been on the defensive since day one, besieged by protests from Mr. Castillo’s supporters.

But while the left wants early elections, they voted against this particular bill, saying it ignored other demands such as the need to reform the country’s constitution, as well as the immediate resignation of Ms. Boluarte.

While the left does not have a majority in Congress, the proposal also divided the right, as some congressional factions want to see their full terms until 2026.

Another bill combining early elections with a call for constitutional reform, this time sponsored by the left, will be discussed today, but is also unlikely to pass.

President Dina Boluarte will sponsor another early election proposal in the coming days, while another bill moving elections to 2024 got initial approval from Congress but is awaiting a second confirmation vote.

As Congress searches for a way out of the crisis, more than 50 Peruvians have died in street protests as human rights organizations denounce massive police abuses against demonstrators.

Three quarters of Peruvians have a negative view of President Boluarte, while 9 out of 10 view members of Congress in a negative light.

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