Court Reviews Bolsonaro’s Past Election Conduct

Today, Brazil’s Electoral Court (TSE) looks into three cases against former President Jair Bolsonaro.

All these cases focus on claims of abusing political power during the 2022 elections. Justice Benedito Gonçalves suggests that the court should examine these events together.

They all deal with similar legal questions. The cases question the use of public facilities for campaign events.

Specifically, Bolsonaro did live streams from presidential residences while campaigning. Walter Braga Netto, the former Vice-Presidential candidate, is also being examined.

Earlier, the TSE had barred Bolsonaro from elections for eight years. This decision was due to a different case.

In that case, Bolsonaro criticized the Brazilian voting system and its legal bodies.

These Judicial Election Investigations, or Aijes, aim to uphold fair elections. If these cases are proven true, Bolsonaro could face further restrictions in his political career.

Justice Gonçalves currently oversees these procedures. He will continue to do so until November 2023.

After that, Justice Raul Araújo will take over. Some in the court want to speed up these cases before Gonçalves leaves.

If Bolsonaro is found guilty in these new investigations, it won’t add to his existing eight-year ban. However, it could make his political journey more challenging.

After the last ruling, Bolsonaro tried to appeal. But the TSE rejected this on September 29. Now, he plans to take his case to the Supreme Federal Court (STF).

Lastly, these cases also focus on Bolsonaro’s election period live streams. These were conducted within presidential residences and were available on his social media.

The claim is that he used public funds, like a sign language interpreter, for his campaign.