Andina

Peru President urges massive participation in parliamentary elections

11:20 | Moquegua (Moquegua region), Jan. 26.

Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra on Sunday called on citizens to participate in the process to elect a new Congress in an active and massive way, in order to strengthen democracy in the South American country.

Speaking from Moquegua, his hometown region where he traveled to cast his vote, the Head of State said that today Peruvians have the responsibility to elect —through a conscious and responsible vote— the new legislators for the 2020-2021 period. 

"I expect a quite active and massive participation from citizens. I hope everyone will, just as Peruvian nationals abroad, who are already casting their vote in a massive and enthusiastic way due to the time difference," he stated.

"In a few minutes, the process will initiate throughout the national territory. The electoral material has been distributed across Peru, and all citizens will have the opportunity to comply with this democratic responsibility," the Peruvian leader added earlier today.

The top official emphasized that more than 50% of electors are women and 30% are young people, thus encouraging all Peruvians to get together in order to choose the new authorities. 

Similarly, the President said he is confident his administration will continue working in coordination with the new Congress because "we all love Peru," so he stressed the need to seek consensus.

"The best way to show love to our homeland is by strengthening democracy. And how can we do that? By casting our vote massively today, Sunday, January 26," he stated.

The statesman affirmed that he will hear the results of the elections along with his State ministers at the Government Palace in Lima.

"Evaluate your options. I did it. I analyzed the proposals of candidates, so I head to the polls with a clear and definite decision. You can do that," he suggested.

Parliamentary Elections 

24,799,384 Peruvian citizens are eligible to participate in the process to elect the 130 legislators who will serve the remaining period of the 2016-2021 legislative tenure, following the constitutional dissolution of Congress.

Out of the total eligible voters, 23,825,154 live in Peru and 974,239 reside abroad, of which 650,010 are in the Americas, 281,640 in Europa, 36,288 in Asia, 5,980 in Oceania, and 321 in Africa.

The extraordinary parliamentary elections see 21 political parties partake in the process.

(END) JCC/VVS/RMB/MVB

Published: 1/26/2020