LIMA, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra wants the newly-elected Congress to prioritize political and judicial reforms to combat corruption in government, according to an interview published on Sunday.

The president told the daily La Republica he would like to see lawmakers pass pending reform bills before his term ends.

"We only have a year and a half left in power. We have to get straight to the priority: concluding the two political and judicial reforms," said Vizcarra.

Special elections for a new legislature were held in late January, some five months after Vizcarra dissolved an opposition-controlled Congress that was resisting his anti-corruption reforms and withheld a vote of confidence in his government.

Vizcarra proposed the reforms following a string of scandals that have undermined the public's trust.

The reforms call for barring politicians convicted of corruption from running for public office; greater campaign finance controls; giving the judiciary greater power to strip legislators of immunity from prosecution if suspected of graft; strengthening grassroots participation in political parties; and promoting gender equality, among other things.

Newly elected lawmakers will complete the 2016-2021 legislative period. Enditem

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