Bolsonaro appeals his disqualification to Brazil’s Supreme Court

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, disqualified from running for public office until 2030 by the Electoral Justice, has announced his intention to appeal the decision to the Supreme Federal Court (STF).

Bolsonaro stated that he is not politically finished and referred to the disqualification as a stab in the back due to alleged abuse of political power.

The disqualification stems from a meeting held in July 2022, where Bolsonaro criticized the Brazilian electoral system and questioned the use of electronic ballot boxes.

The measure prevents him from participating in any future elections in the country.

Bolsonaro highlighted that this is the first time a conviction has been issued for abuse of political power and claimed that it was a non-corruption-related offense.

The former president noted that the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) worked against his proposals and emphasized his adherence to the Constitution during his presidency, even when it went against his personal desires.

Regarding the possibility of an appeal, Bolsonaro stated that he would discuss it with his legal team, but it must ultimately be filed with the Supreme Court.

He expressed his grievances, comparing the disqualification to being stabbed in the back, recalling a previous physical attack he endured.

Bolsonaro reiterated his support for implementing a printed voting system, which was one of the factors leading to his conviction.

He argued that advocating for increased security in the electoral process is not a crime and mentioned his longstanding advocacy for this cause since 2012, despite the lack of evidence presented against him.