During a plenary session, Peru’s Congress approved a measure to bring the next general election forward to April 2024. The aim is to have the current executive and legislative administrations conclude their terms in late July 2024 rather than in 2026. The proposal, introduced by Hernando Guerra, head of the Congressional Constitutional Commission, secured 93 votes in favor, 30 against, and one abstention in the initial vote, which will require endorsement in the next ordinary legislature. A constitutional reform, the measure needed at least 87 votes for a second vote or 66 votes for a referendum.
The current session, originally slated to end last week, was extended to February 28 by the general assembly. The second legislature of the regular term 2022-2023 is set to begin on March 1 of the following year. The approval also changes the term length for President Dina Boluarte, the 130 members of Congress, and representatives of the Andean Parliament through a provisional provision, fixing the president’s term to end on July 28, 2024, with legislators ending two days earlier on July 26.
The decision came after plenary approval to revisit the earlier December 2023 election plan, following a vote last week that rejected the initiative. Peruvian electoral authorities indicated that the nearest date to complete a new presidential and legislative process remains December 2023.
parliamentary debate
Guerra initially argued that parliament should depart in December 2023, but he later acknowledged that opinions vary and urged a democratic debate in Congress. The final version returns to the executive’s initial timeline, which proposed holding elections in April 2024 and includes reforms to the electoral system and political parties. While supporting the measure, Guerra stressed that electoral bodies reinforce the need to respect deadlines. He also suggested that discussions between the first and second votes in Congress, a potential referendum on a constituent assembly, and debates on electoral reforms such as bicameralism, a possible half-sized legislature, and renewal of the chambers should continue. Proposals also touched on the elimination of electronic voting and the vote of confidence in the Council of Ministers.
During the debate, left-leaning lawmakers advocated for consulting on convening a constituent assembly, a stance opposed by representatives from right-wing parties. While Guerra urged a positive vote on the project, he added that it could contribute to stability in the country. His remarks underscored the belief that the outcome of this vote could help calm political tensions and guide the nation through a transitional period.
President Boluarte maintains that her government is transitional and has decided not to call for an early end to her term, emphasizing that the will of the people must be interpreted broadly in light of recent protests. The country has faced significant unrest, with security concerns and casualties reported. Boluarte assumed office after the resignation of Pedro Castillo, who was dismissed by Congress following orders to dissolve Congress prior to a dissolution attempt.
expulsion of the Mexican ambassador
Mexico’s ambassador to Lima, Pablo Monroy, was declared persona non grata and given 72 hours to leave Peru in response to what Peru labeled interference by Mexican authorities in its internal affairs. The government granted asylum to the former president’s family, including his wife and children, after they sought safety in Mexico, and the ministry stated that the asylum decision was sovereign and not political persecution. Foreign Minister Ana Cecilia Gervasi stressed that the government respects due process and the rule of law while asserting that non-intervention is a fundamental principle.
Shortly after, Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador had made statements viewed as troubling, particularly in the context of the country facing violence and a call for peaceful demonstrations. The ministry defended Peru’s actions as a response to threats to its democratic order and legal framework.
Mexico later confirmed that asylum had been granted to the Castillo family while they remain on Mexican soil. The state explained that asylum is an independent decision of Mexico and acknowledged the asylum for the family under protection in its embassy premises. The comments from Mexican authorities were met with cautious diplomacy as Peru emphasized its commitment to due process and constitutional order.