Andina

Peru PM: Early general elections bill does not rule out dialogue

Photo: PCM

Photo: PCM

11:15 | Lima, Aug. 1.

Prime Minister Salvador del Solar has affirmed the solution proposed by the Executive Branch to call for early general elections by 2020 does not rule out dialogue with Congress or the possibility to work on a joint agenda.


"I have already talked with the recently-elected Congress Chairman (Pedro Olaechea), because these situations do not rule out dialogue," the cabinet chief told Canal N news channel. 

Likewise, Del Solar indicated that —following President Martin Vizcarra's Address to the Nation— he talked more than once with Olaechea, who offered his comments concerning the situation. 

"We have many issues we can work on together, we have no reason to isolate them (Parliament members)," he expressed.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister reiterated the terms established in the constitutional reform bill's electoral schedule are possible, noting the approval of the proposal depends on Congress' political willingness. 

The official also mentioned the initiative clarifies any doubt regarding a presidential re-election, as the introduced bill prohibits it. 

Finally, Del Solar said he is sure the transition year will be aimed at dialogue, mutual agendas, and the construction of institutionalism that enables a new political recomposition in the Inca country starting in 2020. 

President proposes early elections

During his annual Address to the Nation —on the occasion of the country's 198th Independence Anniversary— Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra proposed calling for early general elections by 2020, instead of 2021.

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


"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 on that day.

In this sense, the top official underlined that he has traveled across the entire country, noting 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.

"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.

Congress has become very unpopular in Peru.


(END) CVC/DTK/MVB

Published: 8/1/2019