Piauí electoral court orders candidate to change Jesus Christ photo

The Regional Electoral Court of Piauí (TRE-PI) has ordered Dilcon Afonso Santos Carvalho, a candidate for first substitute senator under the Democracia Cristã (DC) party, to replace his official registration photograph. The court issued the summons on August 16, giving the candidate three days to submit a new image or face the potential rejection of his candidacy registration.

Carvalho, an entrepreneur and actor, submitted a photo in which he is dressed as Jesus Christ, a role he has performed for 35 years in religious plays such as the Passion of Christ. The TRE-PI cited Superior Electoral Court (TSE) regulations, which require candidate photos to be recent, colored, have a uniform background, and feature a frontal bust-up framing. While religious attire is permitted, the rules prohibit scenic elements or adornments that could hinder voter recognition or serve as electoral propaganda.

Carvalho criticized the decision on social media, describing the TRE norms as “very selective” and arguing for the protection of cultural identity and diversity. Dionísio Carvalho, the lead candidate on the DC ticket, also contested the ruling, comparing the restriction to the use of a hat in President Lula da Silva’s official electoral photo.