The trial of the Aije (Electoral Judicial Investigation Action) against former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL) for alleged abuse of political power and misuse of the media has been temporarily suspended by the TSE (Superior Electoral Court).
The court session will resume on Friday, June 30.
At present, the score stands at 3 to 1, with three ministers in favor of declaring Bolsonaro ineligible for 8 years after the 2022 election.
The President of the Electoral Court, Minister Alexandre de Moraes, halted the proceedings due to time constraints.
Three ministers are yet to cast their votes. Additionally, the TSE has already formed a majority to dismiss the action filed by PDT against General Braga Netto, Bolsonaro’s former running mate in the election.
The remaining votes are awaited from TSE’s vice-president, Minister Cármen Lúcia, Minister Nunes Marques, and the President of the Electoral Court, Minister Alexandre de Moraes.
If found guilty, Bolsonaro would be ineligible for 8 years following the 2022 election, making him ineligible for the next three electoral contests.
Bolsonaro’s lawyer has indicated an intention to appeal to the STF (Federal Supreme Court), although the appeal can only be filed after exhausting all appeals at the Electoral Court.
The trial revolves around a meeting held by Bolsonaro with ambassadors at the Palácio da Alvorada in July 2022.
During the meeting, Bolsonaro raised doubts about the electoral system, criticized higher court judges, and questioned the integrity of the 2018 election results.
The session was broadcasted by TV Brasil.
Notably, the TSE’s decision will have significant implications for Bolsonaro’s political future, and the verdict is expected to be reached on Friday.