Peru's president refuses to stand down, demands congress speed up election

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte has said she would not resign in the face of violent protests over her predecessor's ouster and urged lawmakers to postpone elections to quell the unrest.

"What is solved by my resignation? We will be here, firmly, until Congress determines to bring forward the elections," Boluarte told Peruvians, a day after lawmakers voted against a bill to hold elections next December, more than two years early, according to RFI.

The South American nation has been wracked by violent unrest since then-President Pedro Castillo was impeached and arrested on December 7 after he attempted to dissolve Congress. According to the BBC, at least 20 people have been killed, including minors. Castillo, who is currently in detention, is being investigated on charges of rebellion and conspiracy. He denies all accusations, insisting that he is still the country's legitimate president.

Protesters are calling for the release of the ousted former president Castillo, the resignation of Boluarte and closure of Congress, and immediate general elections.