Cuenca Has a New Mayor for the Next Six Months

Cuenca has a new mayor, at least for now.

Marisol Penalosa, who was serving as vice mayor, officially assumed the mayor's office on June 17, 2026 after Cristian Zamora was suspended from political participation rights for six months.

What Changed

The municipal transition was triggered after the Tribunal Contencioso Electoral decision against Zamora became final. The city's council secretary notified council members that the sentence had become enforceable as of June 15, which activated the legal subrogation process.

That means Penalosa steps in while the legal impediment against the elected mayor remains in place.

What Penalosa Said

After taking office, Penalosa wrote that she was assuming the responsibility of substituting for the mayor's office in compliance with the legal and technical process. She said her administration would work for unity, institutional stability and the city's wellbeing.

Zamora later said the task was difficult but also the city's highest honor, and said he and his team would support continuity during the subrogation period.

Why Expats Should Watch This

Municipal leadership affects the stuff people actually feel day to day: mobility decisions, public works, permits, cultural programming, public services and how quickly city agencies respond when something gets stuck.

Zamora is expected to return in December, with his term scheduled to finish in May 2027. He cannot participate in the elections set for November 2026 because of the suspension of his political rights.