Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra has dissolved his nation's opposition-controlled congress amid a bitter feud over his fight to curb corruption.

In a televised address Monday, Vizcarra announced he will convoke new elections after being repeatedly stonewalled by the legislature.

The stunning development came hours after congress pushed forward a controversial vote to select an almost entirely new slate of magistrates to the Constitutional Tribunal over his objection.

Vizcarra had chastised lawmaker for rushing through the vote and warned that he'd move to dissolve congress if they decided to proceed. Under Peruvian law, the president has the right to dissolve congress if lawmakers reject two votes of confidence.

The power struggle threatens to hobble governing and could trigger unrest in a country that has seen increased political volatility in recent years. Some lawmakers have vowed to physically resist any attempt to send them home.

(CGTN)