PERU, 13 Dec: The death toll from Peru’s protest to demand for election after former president Pedro Castillo was ousted by congress have increased to seven while many others were left injured.
As such, Peru’s new president Dina Boluarte offered lawmakers a plan to bring elections forward by two years on Monday (Dec 12), after the ouster of her predecessor last week that sparked the protest.
Boluarte, previously the vice president, was sworn in last week after former President Pedro Castillo was removed by Congress and arrested for trying to dissolve the legislature while preventing an impeachment vote against him.
Majority of the protestors are supporters of the Castillo and have clashed with police in several areas including Lima, Ica and Arequipa.
Earlier today, Castillo has also accused Boluarte for being a usurper via a handwritten letter from prison.
He vowed that ‘he will not resign’ and that ‘the people should not fall for their dirty games of new elections’.
On Sunday, Boluarte announced that she will submit a bill to congress to allow the general elections being held in April 2024 while declaring a state of emergency in areas of high social conflict.
“In the next few days, I will submit to Congress a bill to advance the General Elections, to be agreed upon by all political parties represented in Parliament.”
“I declare the state of emergency in areas of high social conflict. I have given instructions to peacefully recover control and order, without affecting the citizens’ fundamental rights.
“I deeply regret the death of our compatriots in Andahuaylas, Apurimac, my homeland. I express my heartfelt condolences to their families,” said Boluarte.
Prior to the protest, Castillo was voted out by legislators on Wednesday (December 7th), after he sought to dissolve Congress ahead of an impeachment vote.
He was then arrested with prosecutors charging him with rebellion and conspiracy. – TVS
