Calay News
Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro faces his third and possibly final session of a trial that could leave him ineligible for eight years if he is found guilty of abuse of power for misinforming about the electoral system before his defeat against Lula. The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) will resume voting on the trial, in which the judge rapporteur has already voted in favor of Bolsonaro’s political disqualification for abuse of political power and misuse of the media.
The other six TSE judges are expected to cast their votes in today’s session, although there is the possibility of an adjournment if any of them request more time to examine the case. The verdict is determined by majority, with at least four of the seven votes.
Bolsonaro has not attended the first two sessions of the trial and is not expected to appear today, according to his lawyer. The case centers on a meeting with diplomats in which Bolsonaro questioned without evidence the integrity of the electronic ballot box system in Brazil and suggested the involvement of the Armed Forces to correct alleged flaws.
The judge rapporteur linked Bolsonaro to violent speech and lies that undermined the credibility of electoral justice and provoked collective paranoia about the electoral system. The facts investigated were considered extremely damaging to the country’s democratic environment.
If convicted, Bolsonaro will be ineligible and will miss the next presidential elections in 2026.
This would open a competition for the leadership of the right-wing in Brazil. Bolsonaro has strong support, as almost half of Brazilians voted for him in the last presidential election.
A conviction by the TSE could be the beginning of a series of judicial setbacks for Bolsonaro, as he faces multiple administrative processes and is under investigation at the Supreme Federal Court for his alleged role in the assault on institutions in Brasilia.
