Brazil’s electoral court resumes proceedings on the eligibility of former president Bolsonaro

Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court (TSE) is set to resume the trial on former President Jair Bolsonaro’s eligibility on Tuesday, June 27.

The Democratic Labor Party (PDT) filed a lawsuit in August 2022, accusing Bolsonaro of abusing political power and media misuse.

TSE President Alexandre de Moraes has scheduled three trial dates, with the session on Tuesday featuring the rapporteur’s vote by Minister Benedito Gonçalves.

The trial will address preliminary issues, including the “coup draft” seized from former Minister Anderson Torres’ home in January.

Other ministers will also present their views, with the possibility of trial postponement if more time is requested.

(Bolsonaro’s meeting with ambassadors in July 2022)

Bolsonaro’s lawyer intends to appeal to the Supreme Court (STF) if the TSE rules against him.

The case centers around Bolsonaro’s meeting with ambassadors in July 2022, during which he cast doubt on the electoral system and criticized higher court judges.

The PDT seeks Bolsonaro’s ineligibility and the nullification of his ticket with General Braga Netto, though nullifying the ticket is not possible as Bolsonaro was not elected in 2022.

The trial temporarily paused after the Electoral Public Ministry supported Bolsonaro’s ineligibility but opposed action against Braga Netto.

Bolsonaro’s defense disputes the connection between the meeting and extremist acts and argues that the TSE should only consider the meeting’s proceedings.

The defense also contends that evidence collected after the lawsuit’s filing, including the “coup draft,” should be excluded, differing from the TSE’s approach in previous cases.

Bolsonaro has appealed, but the document remains part of the investigation as endorsed by the TSE.

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