Examining the Impact of Peru’s Proposed Early Election on Latin American Politics

We’re saddened by the plight of Peru. The protests escalated into violence when thousands of people took to the streets to demand the resignation of the president Manuela Boluarte, and the election of Congress. The protests have been the result of growing discontent over Boluarte’s administration. The result has been the erosion of democratic rights as well as a insufficient progress on key social and economic issues like inequality and poverty. Recent events have led us to grieve and send our condolences to the loss of many lives.

1. What made Boluarte choose to leave?

A lot of discussion has been triggered due to the resignation of Peru’s president Martin Vizcarra, who proposed the delay of elections until April 2024. Unrest and protests that continue to rage about the response of Peru’s government to the COVID-19 epidemic and other concerns of the public have prompted this move. Recently, President Vizcarra’s handling and treatment of the disease and his interactions with politicians had rendered his image less appealing to the public. The Confidence vote was conducted by Congress. Many critics branded the vote a coup due to absence of any legal process.

2. Why did the protests become a deadly frenzy?

The civil war in Peru has been an ongoing issue. The president Francisco Sagasti proposed that the elections should be delayed from June 2025 until April 2024 in order for the people to have a faster solution. Although the demonstrations that continue for a number of months, they were relatively tranquil and peaceful but they’ve turned dangerous and violent because of the overuse of violence and force of the police during attempts to stop the tensions. In the meantime, Peruvian people try to alter the policy of their government, it has led to a heightened protests from the public.

3. What was the reaction of Peru to Boluarte’s resignation announcement?

The reaction of the public towards Marta Lourdes Boluarte, Peruvian president, quitting in the amid widespread protests was one of satisfaction. A lot of people wanted changes and cast their votes with hearts when they were informed that the election would be delayed until April 20, 2024. Announcing an earlier elections allowed people to express their frustration with the current government, and to express their desire for new leadership. Although many were pleased with the news of an earlier election, some were worried over the possible consequences and worried that it could cause more instability and conflict. The resignation of Boluarte was greeted with moderate confidence.

4. What impact have protests had on the nation and the government?

Protests against Peru’s government that began in November of 2020, have significant consequences for both the administration as well in the country as a whole. The Peruvian president has proposed an amendment to the constitution that would push the general election in April 2024 ahead, which is 2 years earlier than scheduled. This reform is intended to shake up the ruling party and improve political stability. The reform also addresses the demands of protesters. The protests caused an enormous economy-wide disruption. The estimated loss was $6.5 billion in GDP loss as well as over 1 million jobs lost because of business interruptions.

A Short Summary

The citizens of Peru have sent a strong message to the government of their country, expressing their displeasure with the government since the president Pedro Castillo was ousted. A lot of people are demanding the resignation from President Pedro Castillo. The people have been holding peaceful protests over the past few weeks in order to express their displeasure. Protests won’t be able to end anytime soon, as the people call for better representation and a change. It is possible to bring about positive change by peaceful protests if we join our voices like in Peru.