Junco do Seridó councilman investigated for alleged voter coercion

The Electoral Public Prosecutor's Office (MP Eleitoral) has launched an investigation into Roberto Cândido, a councilman from Junco do Seridó, regarding potential electoral misconduct. The investigation follows a municipal chamber session on September 3, where Cândido suggested that the mayor should compel hired public servants to vote for administration-backed candidates.

During his remarks, the councilman argued that employees should demonstrate gratitude for their jobs through their votes and suggested that the mayor should individually summon staff to present his political slate. He also advocated for mandatory attendance at campaign events and the display of campaign materials in employees' homes.

The MP Eleitoral is investigating whether these statements constitute direct coercion, abuse of political power, illicit capture of suffrage, or electoral harassment in the workplace. The prosecutor's office has requested immediate documentation from the Junco do Seridó Municipal Chamber and clarifications from the local government regarding any actual pressure exerted on staff. The case has also been referred to labor authorities and criminal prosecutors for further review.