2019–2020 Peruvian constitutional crisis participant Congress of the Republic of Peru
The 2019–2020 Peruvian constitutional crisis began when President Martín Vizcarra dissolved the Congress of Peru on 30 September 2019 considering a de facto denial of the vote of confidence. The majority of lawmakers, opponents and Fujimorists viewed Vizcarra's actions as a "coup" or "self-coup" while some compared the event to the 1992 Peruvian self-coup. Congress responded by declaring Vizcarra's presidency suspended and appointed Vice President Mercedes Aráoz as interim president. During the evening hours, the heads of the Peruvian Armed Forces shared a photograph beside Vizcarra in the Government Palace amidst the crisis, putting forward their support for him.By the next day, 1 October 2019, Congress' moves were largely seen as null and void; interim president Aráoz announced her resignation and Vizcarra issued a decree for legislative snap elections to be held on 26 January 2020.No-confidence law
In the Constitution of Peru, the executive branch can dissolve Congress after a second vote of no-confidence. The first vote of no-confidence occurred in September 2017.Demanding reforms in the Constitutional Court organic law, Vizcarra called for a vote of no confidence on 27 September 2019, stating it was "clear the democracy of our nation is at risk". Vizcarra and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights criticized Congress for blocking a proposal for general elections while it quickly approved nominations to the Constitutional Court of Peru without investigating the backgrounds on nominees. Vizcarra sought to reform the Constitutional Court nomination process and Congress' approval or disapproval of his proposal was seen "as a sign of confidence in his administration".