Brazilian Councilor Aava Santiago Faces Mandate Loss Over Party Switch

The Tribunal Regional Eleitoral of Goiás (TRE‑GO) voted six to one to cassate the mandate of councilor Aava Santiago (PSB) on grounds of party infidelity after she left the PSDB for the Brazilian Socialist Party. The decision does not take immediate effect; Santiago will continue to serve in the Goiânia municipal chamber while appeals are processed.

Santiago announced she will file embargos before the TRE‑GO and subsequently appeal to the Superior Electoral Court (TSE), expressing confidence that higher courts will reverse the ruling. The sole dissenting vote came from Judge Stefane Fiúza Cançado Machado. If the cassation is ultimately upheld, the substitute Michel Magul, who co‑filed the action with PSDB, would assume the seat. The case is expected to be resolved before the October elections, with Santiago maintaining her pre‑candidacy for the federal legislature throughout the appeal process.