will publish the final list of candidates on March 14, following the qualification process, challenges, and vetting of the slates for the presidential race, the Senate, and the Chamber of Deputies, ahead of General Elections scheduled for April 12, 2026.
The board noted that the vetting of candidate lists is 97% complete, or possibly slightly more—a milestone made possible by the use of technology and the strong commitment of the JNE's staff.
In this regard, the JNE emphasized that AI greatly aids information processing, making it possible to achieve results—such as the vetting of candidates—that would normally have been completed in February.
"This time, we have already surpassed 97% and will reach 100% before the January deadline, despite having three to four times more candidates and more than double the number of political organizations," JNE Chairman Roberto Burneo said in an interview with Elecciones Generales 2026 (2026 General Elections) on Andina News Agency.
Regarding electoral challenges, he noted that the Special Electoral Boards (JEEs) are responsible for ruling on them at first instance.
Afterward, political organizations may appeal to the electoral authority's plenary, which decides the cases in sessions broadcast through its official communication channels and social media platforms.
"We are holding public hearings two or three times a week and issuing decisions. The deadlines are short and peremptory," Burneo stated.
"The workload is very demanding, and I commend the strong commitment of the entire board team—especially the magistrates—as well as the plenary, because they are all committed to delivering the results and the final decision in a timely and optimal manner," he underlined.
The JNE chairman emphasized that appeals filed by political organizations are resolved at all levels in an objective and independent manner, strictly in accordance with the law.
The official mentioned that, under normal circumstances, an electoral challenge must be resolved within three days.
Burneo explained that if a ruling issued by a JEE is appealed to National Elections Board's plenary, the tribunal convenes, announces the sense of its decision the following day, and subsequently issues the formal ruling.
"At the latest, the ruling is issued within three days. We are meeting those deadlines in an optimal manner," he concluded.