Peru's Congress fell short by eight votes in a motion late Thursday to impeach President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski over graft allegations linked to a disgraced Brazilian construction firm.

"The demand for vacancy on grounds of permanent moral incapacity has not been approved," the speaker of the opposition-dominated chamber, Luis Galarreta, said after the motion received 79 votes in favor, 19 against and 21 abstentions.

At least 87 votes were required to approve an impeachment.