¿Qué sigue para los senadores electos tras recibir sus credenciales?

Electoral law expert José Manuel Villalobos explained the steps that senators-elect for the 2026-2031 parliamentary term must follow after the National Elections Board (JNE) issued their credentials, following the completion of the ballot processing and the resolution of any challenges. In statements to 24 Horas, Villalobos clarified that the issuance of credentials does not imply the immediate commencement of their duties. He noted that the elected parliamentarians must still complete an administrative procedure, which includes submitting their sworn statements and taking the oath of office before Congress. "For them to assume their positions, especially for senators and representatives, they must complete an administrative procedure, which involves submitting their sworn statements, but they must also take the oath of office; if they do not take the oath, they cannot serve, and therefore they are not yet in office," the expert stated. RAFAEL LÓPEZ ALIAGA CASE Regarding the absence of the leader of Popular Renewal, Rafael López Aliaga, at the official credentialing ceremony, Villalobos stated that if the senator-elect fails to be sworn in before Congress, the Congress must notify the National Elections Board so that it can summon the corresponding alternate. "The seat cannot remain vacant," he affirmed.