Peru rejects bringing forward polls
Peru was plunged into political crisis last week after Castillo was impeached and arrested following his attempt to dissolve parliament and rule by decree.
Daily TribunePeru was plunged into political crisis last week after Castillo was impeached and arrested following his attempt to dissolve parliament and rule by decree.
Cusco, Peru (AFP) — Peru's Congress on Friday rejected a move to bring forward elections as deadly protests left thousands of tourists stranded in the gateway city to Machu Picchu.
Protesters are demanding the release of ousted president Pedro Castillo, the resignation of his successor Dina Boluarte and for fresh elections to be held.
But Congress voted against a bill to bring forward elections by more than two years from 2026 to December 2023.
It comes with demonstrations escalating and the death toll rising after protesters on Thursday night tried to storm the airport in the southern city of Ayacucho that was being guarded by soldiers.
Health minister Rosa Gutierrez said on Friday that 18 people had been killed in clashes since Castillo was arrested on 7 December, with two cabinet ministers resigning over the deaths.
Peru was plunged into political crisis last week after Castillo was impeached and arrested following his attempt to dissolve parliament and rule by decree.
Initially detained for seven days, Castillo was on Thursday ordered to spend 18 months in pre-trial detention.
The leftist former schoolteacher stands accused of rebellion and conspiracy, and could be jailed for up to 10 years if found guilty, according to public prosecutor Alcides Diaz.
Boluarte declared a nationwide state of emergency for 30 days and said she wanted to bring forward elections.
Friday's vote in Congress needed 87 votes to pass, but it garnered only 49 in favor of bringing forward elections with 33 against and 25 abstentions.
The rising death toll seemed to weaken Boluarte's grip on the presidency.
"Due to the number of dead Peruvians, Mrs. Boluarte needs to resign," said Susel Paredes, a centrist legislator.
Several airports around the country have been closed, including the international terminal in Cusco, which acts as the gateway city to the jewel of Peruvian tourism, the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Cusco's airport is the third largest in Peru and serves numerous tourist
