President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) participated in a "rally-like" political party event in a climate of early rally this Sunday (27). This is despite the guidelines of the legal team in the face of the risks of committing electoral crime. Bolsonaro spoke as a candidate, attacking the former Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT), the day after announcing that this PL meeting would be like a launch of his pre-candidate for reelection. The president's conduct happened on the same weekend in which his party questioned alleged irregular electoral propaganda for Lula's benefit at the Lollapalooza festival. It also comes at a time when Superior Electoral Court employees are being pressured to use legislation against perceived electoral crimes.
Electoral justice Raul Araújo, from the TSE (Superior Electoral Court), granted an injunction classifying political manifestations by Pabllo Vittar and the Welsh singer Marina as propaganda and slapping a fine of R$ 50 thousand for the organization of the event, if any. PT lawyers, in turn, appealed to the court against the decision. Electoral legislation only allows campaigning from August 16th. Rallies are not allowed until then. Pre-candidacy launch events, a situation not provided for by law and similar to Bolsonaro's this Sunday, are also vetoed. Experts interviewed by Folha, including a former justice of the TSE who requested anonymity, identified elements of an early campaign in this Sunday's event with Bolsonaro.
For them, presenting oneself as a candidate, mentioning the election and and asking for support from the audience are elements that, outside the electoral schedule, configure the extemporaneous campaign.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon