Peru's New Bicameral Congress Begins with Joint Senator and Deputy Oath Ceremonies

On Friday 24 July 2026, Peru’s Legislative Palace hosted separate oath‑taking ceremonies to mark the restoration of a bicameral Congress for the 2026‑2031 term. Senators were sworn at 11:00 a.m. under the direction of Miguel Torres Morales, who heads the Senate’s preparatory board, while deputies took their oath at 4:00 p.m. led by Cecilia Chacón de Vettori.

The ceremonies precede the election of the Mesa Directiva for both chambers, scheduled for Sunday 26 July, with the full installation of the new Parliament set for Monday 27 July. Political negotiations are underway: Fuerza Popular claims the right to preside both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, while opposition groups—including Juntos por el Perú, Obras y Ahora Nación, and others—are forming a unified bloc to present candidate lists for the Mesa Directiva. Fuerza Popular has not yet finalized its own lists, and internal debates continue over leadership positions.

These events signal the start of Peru’s first bicameral legislative session in 28 years, shaping the balance of power between the ruling Fujimorist party and a coalition of opposition forces.