Andina

Peru President urges citizens to express views on four reforms

12:48 | Huancayo (Junin region), Oct. 2.

President Martin Vizcarra on Tuesday affirmed the population has to express their views —through a referendum process— on the four reforms the Government has sent to Congress.

"Peruvians want to express themselves over the four reforms. Some people want to merge the bicameral legislature and lawmakers' re-election proposals. I agree with both, that's why I submitted them to Congress," he pointed out.

However, the statesman thinks raising both issues in the same question is not a good idea since people may not agree with one of them, therefore, they won't be able to express their opinion on the referendum.

The Executive Branch —he said— understands the opinion of those who oppose the return to a bicameral system but explains having two chambers is better.

"The proposal includes four reforms. Therefore, the referendum should include four questions. I've heard a proposal to merge two reforms into one, thus combining the issues into one question. We don't agree with that," Peru's top official stated.

The two constitutional reforms that have congressional approval thus far have to do with the National Council of the Magistracy (CNM) and political parties' private financing.

In this sense, he expects Congress to pass the remaining reforms on the bicameral legislature and lawmakers' re-election within the time limit.

As is known, the release of audios containing phone conversations that involved judges, entrepreneurs, and CNM members led to a scandal in the justice system. Thus, the Vizcarra administration intends to implement a positive change in Peru.

The last two draft bills have been passed by Congress and are ready to be put to a referendum on December 9.

(END) FHG/RMB

Published: 10/2/2018