What is Behind Peru’s President’s Decision to Move Up Elections?
It is a sad time to share the plight of Peru. Protests turned violent as thousands took to the streets demanding the resignation of the president Manuela Boluarte, and the election of Congress. The protests have been a result growing discontent with Boluarte’s administration. There has been an erosion in the rights of democracy and a insufficient progress on key economic and social issues such as poverty and inequality. These recent developments have led us to grieve and grieve the deaths of many people.
1. Why did Boluarte decide to quit?
Many discussions have been created from the recent resignation of Peru’s President Martin Vizcarra, who proposed postponing elections to April 2024. There are ongoing protests and unrest regarding the administration’s response to the COVID-19 disease along with various other public issues caused this change. Recently, President Vizcarra’s handlings of the epidemic as well as his involvement with political figures had made him less popular. The Confidence vote was conducted by Congress. Some critics called the vote a coup due to lack of legal proceedings.
2. How did the demonstrations turn deadly?
In response to the continuous civil unrest that has plagued the nation of Peru and the President Francisco Sagasti recently proposed to move the national elections up from their original date of June 2025, to April 2024 to offer the citizens the opportunity to resolve the current issues. While the protests have been going on over the past few months and were generally fairly peaceful and calm, they have become extremely violent and fatal due to the excessive use of force and violence that the police have employed in trying to put an end to the unrest. It has caused increased public protests by the public and a rise in the level of protests since the Peruvian people attempt to use their voices to push for an overhaul of the government’s policies.
3. How was Peru’s reaction to Boluarte’s resignation announcement?
If Peruvian President Marta Lourdes Boluarte announced her resignation as a result of large-scale protests, reaction by the people was an expression of joy. People wanted to see a changes and cast their votes with hearts after it was announced that elections would move up until April 20, 2024. The announcement of an early elections allowed people to speak out against the administration and voice the desire to see new leaders. Many were in favor of the idea of an early elections, some were concerned over the possible consequences and they feared it would cause more instability and conflict. Boluarte’s resignation was met with cautious hope.
4. What impact has the demonstrations affected the administration and the nation?
The protests that have been taking place in Peru that began in November of 2020, have been a major blow to both the administration and the country as a whole. The Peruvian president has suggested a constitutional change to push the April 2024 general election forward, two years earlier than expected. This reform is intended to shake up the ruling party as well as improve the stability of politics. The reform also addresses the demands of protesters. Protests led to an extensive financial disruption to the nation. The estimated loss was $6 billion loss to GDP as well as over 1 million job losses due to business interruptions.
Quick Summary
In the end, the citizens of Peru are sending a strong message to their government to let them know that they are not happy with the current leadership and the policies taken following the removal of President Pedro Castillo. Many are calling for the deportation and reinstatement of president Pedro Castillo. The people have been holding peaceful protests for a few weeks to voice their dissatisfaction. They aren’t likely to stop anytime soon as they demand greater representation and change. There is a chance to make positive changes through peaceful protest if we join our voices just like the situation in Peru.
