The Supreme Electoral Court (TSE) opened proceedings against the ticket created by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (PT) and Vice President Geraldo Alcamin (PSB) for suspicions of abuse of political power. The decision was made by General Election Inspector Judge Ricardo Villas Boas Cueva, following a complaint filed by the Novo Party.
If the case moves forward and the requested party is accepted, the re-elected ticket could be canceled and both candidates would be declared ineligible for eight years, which could lead to a new presidential election.
The investigation concerns 35 measures taken by the federal government during an election year. According to the party, the measures created or extended benefits to the population and could give the presidential ticket an electoral advantage. Among the challenging initiatives are the increase in family benefits and higher fuel subsidies.
Novo claims that the measures amounted to the use of government resources to gain an advantage in the elections.
The lawsuit also includes Alkamin, who may be held liable for his participation in the events where some of the initiatives were announced. In the inspector general's assessment, there is room to investigate the actions of the two card members.
In his ruling, Koiva ordered to inform the defendants and give them five days to present their defense. The judge ruled that the complaint meets the requirements required for the investigation to continue.