Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra on Sunday night introduced a confidence motion to Congress in order to gauge support for four political-justice projects that he had sent to lawmakers in order to achieve reforms in the country.
What does 'motion of confidence' mean?
It is a constitutional mechanism provided under the 1993 Constitution of Peru. It was created to offer a way out for the Executive Branch when it comes into open collision with Parliament.
Who can call the motion?
Via this mechanism, a State minister —on an individual basis— or the Prime Minister —on behalf of the Cabinet— can ask Congress for a vote of confidence regarding a law or government initiative, according to articles 132 and 133 of the Constitution.
What happens if the motion is denied?
Under article 133 of the Constitution, the denial of a confidence motion leads to a total crisis in the Cabinet.
Dissolution of Congress
Article 134 of the Constitution states that the President of the Republic has the power to close Congress if the latter has passed the motion of censure or denied the vote of confidence to two Cabinets.
In this sense, if the Executive does not gain a vote of confidence from Parliament, it will be the second time this branch of government denies support to the current administration.
Moreover, the above-mentioned article states that the dissolution decree must contain an announcement of elections for a new Congress, which must be held within four months from the date of dissolution, without modification of the pre-existing electoral system.
(END) JCC/CCR/RMB/MVB
Published: 9/17/2018