Brazil Issues Neutrality Guidelines for 2026 Election to Church and Security Forces

The Catholic Church’s Province of Natal, covering the Archdiocese of Natal and the dioceses of Mossoró and Caicó, released pastoral instructions for the 2026 Brazilian elections. The document bans clergy from endorsing candidates, using church facilities for campaign activities, and posting partisan content on social media, while urging voters to make informed choices based on candidates’ integrity and public service.

Separately, the Electoral Prosecutor’s Office sent a formal recommendation to the security agencies of Rio Grande do Norte, directing police, federal and state forces to refrain from employing uniforms, vehicles, equipment or official actions to benefit any political group. The guidance calls for internal dissemination of the rules, stricter oversight by internal affairs units, and documentation of any contacts with candidates, aiming to preserve impartiality throughout the electoral process.