Lima: Peru’s Congress voted on Friday to impeach President Dina Boluarte, who refused to attend the overnight hearing convened to determine her political fate. Lawmakers first voted to debate her removal from office and summoned her to appear before Congress shortly afterward. Boluarte did not attend, and legislators moved ahead with a swift impeachment process.

According to Qatar News Agency, a total of 118 out of 122 members of the unicameral legislature voted in favor of her impeachment, effectively removing her from office, Congress leader Jose Jeri announced. Jeri was subsequently sworn in as interim president to serve out the remainder of Boluarte’s term. General elections are scheduled for next April, while Boluarte’s original mandate was set to end on July 28, 2026.

Boluarte’s government had faced growing criticism over its failure to stem rising crime, particularly homicides and extortion, as well as widespread demonstrations since she assumed power in December 2022. She had survived several previous impeachment attempts, but the motion succeeded this time after right-wing and far-right parties that once backed her withdrew their support.