Brazil's Electoral Court Denies Spanish Group's 2026 Election Observation Request

The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) in Brazil rejected the accreditation request of the Spain‑based Eurolat Global Democracy Forum to serve as an international observation mission for the 2026 Brazilian elections. The International Directorate of the TSE, created by minister Nunes Marques, concluded that the organization does not meet the technical criteria or legitimacy required for electoral observation, noting that it lacks an electoral mandate, governmental endorsement, or legislative authority. Two other observation requests remain under review.

The TSE’s analysis highlighted links between Eurolat members and controversial figures: Ahmed Adeeb, former vice‑president of the Maldives serving a 20‑year corruption sentence, was listed as the mission’s head; Maurício Galante, a Brazilian councilor residing in Arlington, Texas, identified himself as president of the Institute Harpia in the United States. In Brazil, the Institute Harpia is chaired by former federal deputy Major Vitor Hugo, with former president Jair Bolsonaro serving as honorary president. The court also noted contacts with journalist Paulo Figueiredo, an ally of senator Flávio Bolsonaro.