In Peru, the president announces the advance of the elections after two deaths in demonstrations

Saying to understand the “will of the citizens”, Dina Boluarte, who was vice-president until her inauguration on December 7 after the dismissal of President Pedro Castillo, said she had “decided to take the initiative for an agreement (…) to advance the general elections to April 2024”, after the crisis caused by the failed attempt of Pedro Castillo to dissolve the Parliament.

Dina Boluarte also announced the declaration of a state of emergency in the areas most affected by the demonstrations. “I gave instructions to regain control of the internal order and the fundamental rights of citizens,” she said,

Two people died and at least five people were injured on Sunday in Andahuaylas, a city 750 km from Lima, during growing protests in the country against the new president and the arrest of former president Pedro Castillo.

call for calm

Protests have multiplied across the country, especially in cities in the north and in the Andes. Thousands of people mobilized in the streets of Cajamarca, Arequipa, Tacna, Andahuaylas, Cusco and Puno, demanding the release of the former head of state but also new elections.

“We regret the death of two people and several injuries in clashes. I urge the population to remain calm, “said Interior Minister César Cervantes on RPP radio, shortly after an initial report from the police reporting one dead – a teenager – and five injured.

“The life of no Peruvian deserves to be sacrificed for political interests. I reiterate my call for dialogue and the renunciation of violence, ”launched the president on Twitter.