LIMA: New Peruvian President Dina Boluarte announced on Sunday that she would call for elections two years early, and declared a state of emergency in several areas after protests following the arrest of her predecessor, resulting death of two people.
Meanwhile, huge demonstrators were reported from across the country, particularly in northern and Andean towns, where protestors were demanding fresh elections and the release of leftist former president Pedro Castillo, who was set aside from office on Wednesday for trying to dissolve Congress and rule by verdict.
Elections in 2024 instead of 2026
In her television address, Boluarte said that according to the demands of the citizens she has decided to take the initiative to reach an arrangement with the Congress of the Republic to go for general elections in the month of April of 2024, adding that a bill on taking the poll forward from 2026 would be tabled in few days.
She further said that in order to restore peace in some of the volatile areas she has declared a state of emergency.
Being a former prosecutor Boluarte, who also served as Castillo’s vice president, was quickly sworn in to replace Castillo following his impeachment and subsequent arrest last week.
The president introduced her new cabinet on Sunday, a group with an independent and technocratic profile, and also included eight women in the cabinet, while announcing former prosecutor Pedro Angulo as the prime minister.
Meanwhile, fresh clashes broke out between protesters and police in different parts of the country including the southern city of Andahuaylas, leaving two dead and several others injured, including a police officer, the officials reported.
Riot police deployed to hold back demonstrators
The authorities deployed riot police to the airport to hold back thousands of demonstrators in Andahuaylas. According to images received from local TV, protesters fired slingshots and hurled stones, while police responded with tear gas. According to radio reports a police station in the Apurimac town of Huancabamba was set on fire.
Taking to her Twitter handle on Sunday evening, President Boluarte said that a single Peruvian’s life should not be sacrificed for political interests. She advised dialogue instead of spreading violence.
Physical disputes in Congress session
Earlier on Sunday afternoon the country’s right-leaning Congress summoned an emergency session to discuss the volatile situation but had to be suspended after physical disputes broke out, as some images received via social media showing a person can be seen hitting another man from behind, followed by members shoving each other in the middle of the premises.
Later on, about 2,000 people rallied in Lima in support of Castillo which were later dispersed by police while using tear gas. Meanwhile, organizations from rural areas representing Indigenous peoples called for an “indefinite strike” from Tuesday in support of Castillo, who himself is the son of a peasant family.
According to a statement received from the Agrarian and Rural Front of Peru, comprising over a dozen organizations, demanded the suspension of Congress, early elections along with a new constitution, and immediate release of Castillo.
Ousted president Pedro Castillo arrested on way to Mexican embassy
The ousted president Castillo was arrested Wednesday while on his way to the Mexican embassy to pursue asylum, and prosecutors have charged him with rebellion and conspiracy.
Commenting on Boluarte’s announcement, political analyst Giovanna Penaflor told AFP that her key role is to facilitate new general elections that would hopefully provide needed stability.
Former President Castillo’s 17-month rule was overshadowed by six investigations against him and his family, amid mass protests demanding his removal, and a power scuffle with the opposition-backed Congress. – APP
