LIMA, Dec 17 (NNN-ANDINA) — Peru Parliament on Friday did not approve a bill on constitutional reform that would have allowed bringing general elections forward to 2023, as well as reducing the presidential and parliamentary mandates.
During a plenary session, the bill obtained 49 votes in favor, 33 against, and 25 abstentions. Thus, it did not achieve the minimum of 87 votes required for its approval on the first voting session.
It also failed to overcome the hurdle (66 votes in favor), which would have allowed the initiative to be submitted to referendum.
Following the voting session, Congress Chairman Jose Williams reported that a reconsideration was presented by Alliance for Progress party Congressman Eduardo Salhuana.
However, the request remained pending to be put to vote and the session was adjourned.
“You will be summoned in due course,” Williams told lawmakers.
The Executive Branch, through Justice Minister Jose Tello, supported before lawmakers a bill for a bringing the general elections forward.
National Elections Board Chairman Jorge Salas and National Office of Electoral Processes Chief Piero Corvetto also attended that event.
In addition, the current legislature was extended until January 31, 2023, in order to prioritize the debate and approval of said initiative.
The bill was presented amid a nation-wide political unrest following the ouster and arrest of former President Pedro Castillo on Dec. 7 and the swearing-in of vice President Dina Boluarte to take the place of Castillo.
Opposing Boluarte to hold the presidency till 2026, the bill aims to shorten her term of office to April 30, 2024, and Congress’ term to April 28 of the same year.
According to official reports, over a dozen demonstrators have been killed since Sunday in protests demanding Boluarte’s resignation, the shutdown of Congress, Castillo’s release and early elections. The protesters have burned police stations, obstructed Peru’s main highway and blocked access to airports, stranding hundreds of foreign tourists.
The United Nations on Friday expressed “deep concern” over reports of deaths of protestors in Peru. — NNN-ANDINA
