Rafael López Aliaga, leader of the Renovación Popular party, has declined to take his recently won Senate seat. He stated his refusal stems from a belief that accepting the position would legitimize alleged fraud and corruption within the government. Instead, López Aliaga confirmed he will run as the first vice-presidential candidate alongside Luis Rubio in the upcoming Lima mayoral election scheduled for October. This decision solidifies a political alliance between the two figures as they challenge for the city’s highest office. López Aliaga previously ran for mayor but lost in the 2022 election. His move concentrates his political efforts on the vice-mayoral position and supporting Rubio’s campaign. The alliance aims to present a united front against other contenders in the race.