Brazil electoral courts bar candidates linked to organized crime

Brazilian electoral courts are increasingly disqualifying candidates suspected of links to organized crime. In Rio de Janeiro, the Regional Electoral Court (TRE-RJ) has adopted a legal thesis from the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) to bar what it terms “milícia de gravata” (tie militia) or bureaucratic militias.

This concept targets criminal groups that infiltrate the state apparatus to commit administrative and financial crimes without necessarily using overt armed violence. The TRE-RJ has applied this to several cases, rejecting candidacies of individuals suspected of using political influence for illicit gains or fraudulent activities.

Nationally, at least 30 candidates have faced scrutiny for ties to organized crime during this election cycle. While 21 candidates had their registrations denied by regional courts, others have had their candidacies authorized due to insufficient evidence or are currently under appeal. Notable cases include individuals linked to armed factions, illegal gambling, and money laundering.