Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra on Thursday affirmed the
proposal aimed at calling for early general elections by 2020 is constitutional and can be carried out within the time frame established in the
bill that has been recently submitted to Congress.
"I think it is viable to hold elections and carry out a new authorities transfer within a year by allowing the people to elect those authorities," the Head of State expressed.
In response to the claims of lawmakers who question the Executive Branch's proposal, he ruled out there is not enough time to organize the referendum and the general elections. As is known, the constitutional reform will have to be approved by citizens via referendum, too.
Likewise, the top official indicated the only thing needed is political willingness, so the country's citizens can express their opinion and a change in authorities can take place with a vision towards the
Independence Bicentennial (2021) "in order to finally reach the consensus required by Peru to lay the foundations for development in harmony."
"I presented my Address to the Nation to the cabinet. It was listened and
discussed; contributions were received, and finally the conclusion we reached was that (…) the most advisable idea, taking into account that Peru comes first, was to hold general elections one year in advance," he added.
President proposes early elections
"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.
"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) RMCH/DTK/MVB
Published: 8/1/2019