Today, Brazil’s Supreme Court will consider whether former President Jair Bolsonaro abused his presidential powers to be re-elected. If the majority find him guilty of the 16 charges brought against him, Bolsonaro would not be able to run in the 2026 Brazilian presidential elections.
In total, there are sixteen charges against Bolsonaro, including alleged abuse of power (and abuse of public broadcasting), jewelry smuggling and sedition. Under the hammer today: Bolsonaro’s role in last year’s Brazilian elections. The Brazilian judiciary accuses him of abuse of power and dissemination of incorrect information.
Doubt
Bolsonaro narrowly lost the presidential election to his rival Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in October last year, after which he fled to the United States. The court, the high electoral tribunal, wants to rule on a live broadcast meeting of Bolsonaro during the 2022 election campaign in which he questioned the election results before the vote was even taken.
In a meeting at the presidential palace, in the presence of foreign diplomats, Bolsonaro said he believes that everything is wrong with the Brazilian electoral system. The electronic voting system in particular could draw his ire. Bolsonaro said the system is flawed but could be fixed in time by Brazilian forces.
If convicted of abuse of power, Bolsonaro will not be able to participate in elections for eight years. What would be the final blow to the man’s intention to run for president in 2026. He would also miss the municipal elections of 2024 and 2028.
Coup d’etat
However, the judges will also consider more recent events related to the January 8, 2023 riots in Brasilia, when Bolsonaro supporters stormed parliament buildings. In particular, they will magnify the police find of a blueprint for a military coup at the home of Bolsonaro’s former justice minister.
“The omens are not good, but I’m relaxed,” Bolsonaro told supporters last weekend as they prepared for the verdict. Observers believe it is unlikely that the court will rule in favor of Bolsonaro, but at the same time believe that the verdict will be postponed. Not only will the judge take more time to study all the evidence, but Bolsonaro will definitely appeal.
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
