Minister General Walter Braga Netto's public defense of the paper ballot and public support of Bolsonaro has prompted growing calls from the judiciary and Congress to diminish the influence of the military on political decisions.
The minister, who denies having made threats, said he considers the paper ballot debate to be legitimate.
According to an article in the newspaper O Estado de S. Paulo, Braga Netto sent Congressional leader Arthur Lira (PP-AL) the message in which he linked the holding of the 2022 elections to the approval of a constitutional amendment that would reinstate the paper ballot in the country.
The statement echoes recent threats by the president, who threatened to halt the election if his wishes were not enacted.
The proposal for the paper ballot was defeated by a special commission in the House and targets Supreme Court Justices and 11 parties, who want to block the government's idea.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon