Early Elections are Called by Peru’s New President

The next president of Peru, Dina Boluarte, has stated that she will send a proposal to Congress on Monday asking them to move the general elections up two years, to April 2024 rather than 2026.

Following deadly protests Sunday across the Andean nation, including in Lima, the capital, calling for new elections following the ouster Wednesday of leftist President Pedro Castillo, who sought to dissolve Congress and rule by decree, she made her announcement early on Monday in a nationally televised address.

After Castillo was fired, Boluarte, a former prosecutor, and his vice president took over. As prime minister, she appointed Pedro Angulo, another former prosecutor.

Two people, including a teen, lost their lives during the protests over Castillo’s removal.

During Castillo’s 17-month term, there were six investigations into him and his family, large-scale demonstrations calling for his ouster, and a power struggle with the Congress, which was backed by the opposition.

(Reuters)