Brazil’s electoral court declares Bolsonaro ineligible for 8-year term by 5-2 majority

The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) has rendered a verdict of ineligibility for former President Jair Bolsonaro with a 5-2 majority decision.

This decision comes as no surprise to those who understand the political realities of Brazil’s top judiciary.

Bolsonaro will be disqualified from holding public office for eight years due to accusations of political power abuse and media misuse.

The lawsuit was filed by the Democratic Labor Party (PDT) in August 2022, citing Bolsonaro’s critical remarks about the Brazilian electoral system, electronic ballot boxes, and the actions of the Supreme Federal Court (STF) and TSE during a meeting with ambassadors at the Alvorada Palace in July of that year.

It is important to note that the court did not declare General Braga Netto, Bolsonaro’s vice presidential candidate, ineligible.

For those interested, we share the video recording of Bolsonaro’s meeting with the ambassadors, which is believed to have had significant implications for his political future.

The breakdown of the vote is as follows:

Five ministers voted in favor of Bolsonaro’s ineligibility and against that of Braga Netto: Benedito Gonçalves (rapporteur), Floriano Marques, André Ramos Tavares, Cármen Lúcia, and Alexandre de Moraes.

Two ministers voted against the action: Raul Araújo and Nunes Marques.

As a result of the decision, Bolsonaro will be ineligible for eight years following the 2022 election, which means he will not be able to participate in the next three electoral contests: 2024, 2026, and 2028.

Bolsonaro’s lawyer, Tarcisio Vieira de Carvalho Neto, plans to appeal to the Supreme Court (STF).

However, such an appeal can only be made after all the necessary procedures are completed at the Electoral Court.

The defense is expected to file “statement motions,” which allow the defendant to challenge any inconsistencies or omissions in the judgment.

It’s important to note that the appeal does not have the power to alter the decision or suspend the ineligibility ruling.

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