Peru: President Dina Boluarte Proposes Early Election, Declares State of Emergency Amid Widespread Protests

Peru's new President Dina Boluarte proposed bringing the general election ahead by two years, conducting it in April 2024 instead of April 2026.

Boluarte has also declared a state of emergency in areas where protests have started. Protesters are demanding new elections after Pedro Castillo was impeached after his attempt to dissolve Congress.

Castillo called Boluarte's plans to move ahead with the elections a "dirty game," even calling her a "usurper" in a handwritten letter that he tweeted. He then claimed that he had been "kidnapped" and humiliated.

Boluarte said in a televised address to the nation on Monday that she will submit a bill to Congress to hold elections in April 2024 and not in April 2026.

She also noted that she would push forward a series of constitutional reforms to have a more transparent, efficient, and "participatory system" in the government.

However, it was unclear what those reforms would be, with Boluarte failing to provide details on the matter.

Castillo's supporters are on a strike and planning to block key roads.

Peru in State of Emergency Amid Protests

Local media reported that protests have been erupting since Boluarte was announced as the new president, resulting in at least two people dead and 30 more injured.

Boluarte has announced a state of emergency in the south of Peru, where protests are more intense. Areas with a state of emergency includes the southern regions of Apurimac, Arequipa, and Ica.

Two youths are reported dead on Andahuaylas. The head of Peru's human rights ombudsman office, Eliana Revollar, said that the two adolescents found dead amid the protest possibly died "as a result of gunshot wounds."

Meanwhile, social leaders of the Apurimac region have declared themselves in rebellion, saying they do not acknowledge Boluarte as the new president. They also announced that they will be on an indefinite strike and could extend to other areas of Peru.

On Sunday, Congress gathered to discuss the attorney general's inquiry regarding the charges that Castillo orchestrated a rebellion. However, the session had to be suspended after one lawmaker attacked another from behind.

Protests in Peru

One protester, Laura Pacheco, said they do not agree with the way Castillo was ousted "with lies and trickery." She is currently protesting in San Martin square in downtown Lima.

Another protester said they want Congress to be shut down, and new elections for Peru, where the people can choose who rules over.

The same protester states that Castillo tried to shut down the Congress as that was what the "people wanted," describing it as a "viper's nest."

In a November opinion poll by the Institute of Peruvian Studies, it was found that some 86% of Peruvians disapprove of Congress. However, the same poll showed over 61% disapproval rating for Castillo.

Castillo tried to seek asylum in Mexico but was stopped by his own bodyguards from making his way to the Mexican embassy.

Mexico's Foreign Minister, Marcelo Ebrard, said that Mexico already started discussions with Peruvian authorities over Castillo's asylum request.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Deadly Protests In Peru Follow Ouster Of President Pedro Castillo - from NBC News