Jakarta –
Peruvian president Dina Boluarte has refused to step down despite pleas from supporters of former president Pedro Castillo. You have asked the congress to speed up the general elections (Pemilu).
Strong protests against Boluarte’s appointment emerged after Castillo’s impeachment, according to AFP. Boluarte called on congress to speed up elections immediately to quell the riots.
“What does my resignation solve? We will stand here, steadfastly, until Congress decides to bring forward the elections,” Boluarte told Peruvians on Saturday (12/17/2022).
The statement came a day after lawmakers voted against a bill to hold elections next December. It is understood that the elections should be held in two years.
On Friday, House Speaker Jose Williams said the vote could be reviewed during an upcoming session of Congress.
In a nationally televised address, Boluarte regretted the protests and deaths, mostly in clashes with security forces, including the military, who were given powers to maintain order during the state of emergency.
If armed troops took to the streets, he said, “it would be to guard and protect” the Peruvian people because the protests were “overflowing” with coordinated rather than spontaneous elements of violence.
“These groups did not appear overnight. They tactically succeeded in blocking the roads,” added Boluarte.
As is known, the South American country has been plagued by unrest since President Castillo was impeached and arrested on December 7 after trying to dissolve Congress. To date, at least 18 people have died, including minors.
Protesters demanded the release of deposed former president Castillo, the resignation of Boluarte and the closure of Congress and immediate general elections.
(aik/aik)
