Demonstrators celebrating after President Martín Vizcarra dissolved the legislature in Lima
LIMA, Oct 1 (NNN-Xinhua) — Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra dissolved the nation’s opposition-run Congress to clear way for his anti-corruption efforts.
The disbandment after lawmakers proceeded with holding a controversial vote to replace almost all the members of the Constitutional Tribunal.
“In the face of the factual denial of the vote of confidence, and with unlimited respect for the constitutional policy of Peru, I have decided to constitutionally dissolve the Congress and call for congressional elections,” the president said in a message to the nation.
Vizcarra’s decision came after the Congress brought forward a vote to choose new members of the Constitutional Tribunal in a disputed session meant to take place on Tuesday at 16:00 local time (2100 GMT).
“This is a constitutional act provided for in Article 134 of the Constitution,” said the head of state, who denounced the “political traps and tricks” carried out by the legislative body.
Vizcarra, who has a popular approval, seeks in this way to end the institutional crisis of the country, whose upper levels of politics have been mired in corruption allegations and plummeting faith.
According to Article 134 of the Constitution, after the dissolution of Congress, new legislative elections must proceed “within four months of the date of the dissolution, and without the possibility of altering the preexisting electoral system.” — NNN-XINHUA
