Brazil electoral courts block polls in Paraná and Pernambuco

The Regional Electoral Court of Paraná (TRE‑PR) ordered an immediate suspension of a poll conducted by Instituto Vox Brasil on voter intentions for the 2026 governor and Senate races. The decision, granted at the request of the state Social Democratic Party (PSD‑PR), was issued by Judge Cláudia Cristina Cristofani and imposes a daily fine of R$ 5,000, capped at R$ 50,000, while demanding removal of any published results.

In Pernambuco, the Regional Electoral Court (TRE‑PE) also issued an injunction against the release of a poll by Instituto Conecta. The court found that question 4 of the questionnaire could bias respondents by linking candidates to national political figures, violating the neutrality required for electoral research. The ruling, signed by Judge Fernando Braga Damasceno, allows publication of the poll except for the three biased scenarios, mandates the institute provide additional financial documentation within 48 hours, and sets a daily fine of R$ 10,000 for non‑compliance. The action was brought by the Solidariedade party.

Both suspensions reflect heightened scrutiny of electoral research methods ahead of Brazil's 2026 general elections.