The President of Peru, Dina Boluarte, said that as long as the Congress does not agree to early elections, she will continue to govern to "solve the problems that we are called upon to solve as a Government."
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Amidst a severe social and political crisis in Peru since last December 7 following the removal of former president Pedro Castillo (2021-2022), the Congress has refused to bring forward the general elections to 2023, one of the protests' main demands.
The current legislature is scheduled to conclude on Friday, February 10. If the measure is not accepted before that date, the bill must be shelved, as Rule 78 of the Rules of Procedure states that "the same or another proposal dealing with the same subject may not be introduced until the next annual session."
Boluarte regretted the refusal of the Legislative Constitution Committee to debate in the plenary the Executive's bill proposing early elections for the second week of October and a change of government in December 2023.
With 11 votes in favor, ten against, and one abstention, the legislative committee rejected the text on February 3, as it needed at least 14 favorable votes.
"We as a Government have to govern," said the President-designate, noting that her administration will dedicate itself to "solving the problems that we are called upon to solve as a Government."
Boluarte urged Congress and the Constitution Commission to resolve the issue of early elections. "The reflection is in Congress, especially in the Constitution Commission."