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Peru President proposes early general elections by 2020

13:16 | Lima, Jul. 28.

Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra on Sunday proposed calling for early general elections by 2020, instead of 2021.

The initiative comes as response to the way Congress handled the political reform bills presented by the Executive Branch to Parliament and submitted to a confidence motion.

Congress granted a confidence vote to the administration over the projects on June 5. However, the approved bills had been altered during the debates by legislators.

"Taking into account that the confidence requested for the reforms has been approved only in words and denied in facts, I have decided —as consequence— to once again put the interests of Peru above all," the Head of State said.

In this sense, the top official underlined that he has traveled across the entire country, adding there is no place in Peru where he has not been asked to dissolve Parliament.

"Peruvians should be able to choose their destiny to make the way for Peru's Bicentennial (2021). With this action, the foundations of our Republic will be reinforced, even if it means we must all go. Congress members, Peru First!" he pointed out.

Thus, the nation demands a new beginning.

"For all the above, I propose a way out of this institutional crisis. I present Congress a constitutional reform for the calling of early general elections, which implies cutting the congressional mandate to July 28, 2020," the highest-ranking official expressed.

"In the same way, in that reform, cutting the presidential mandate to that date is also requested," he added.

"The voice of the Peruvian people must be listened to (...). I make this request within the framework and unrestricted respect for the Political Constitution of Peru," the statesman concluded.

The initiative will be made official through a constitutional reform to be consulted with citizens via referendum.

Remarks were made during his Address to the Nation on the occasion of Independence Day anniversary celebrations.

President Martin Vizcarra's administration intended to implement reforms to enhance the political-judicial system. Plus, it launched a crusade against corruption.

He took office on March 23, 2018, to replace resigning Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. His term was expected to come to an end in 2021.

Recuperemos la confianza de la gente y demostremos que todos, sin importar banderas políticas, estamos unidos en la lucha contra la corrupción. Conduzcamos al país a esta nueva etapa, con grandeza y sin mezquindades #ElPerúPrimero. pic.twitter.com/a9MkAHtKfA
— Martín Vizcarra (@MartinVizcarraC) July 28, 2019