Peru’s Congress has rejected a proposal to move elections forward to December 2023, despite nearly two months of protests that have left dozens dead following the removal of former President Pedro Castillo.
Legislators will continue debating a different proposal to hold early elections, a key demand of the protesters. Within the deeply fragmented Congress, some politicians wish to finish their original term, while others want to go further and hold a referendum for a new constitution, another demand of protesters.
Over the past several weeks, protesters have blocked roads, taken over airports and set some buildings on fire, with demands that include early elections, Congress’s closure, the resignation of President Dina Boluarte, and Castillo’s release from jail. Dozens have been killed in a crackdown on protesters by government security forces, with much of the violence in rural areas.
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