Mato Grosso court selects all-female list for electoral judge vacancy

The Mato Grosso State Court (TJMT) has selected an all-female triple list for a judge-member position at the Regional Electoral Court (TRE-MT). The selected lawyers are Kamila Michiko Teischmann, Mara Yane Barros Samaniego, and Angélica Rodrigues Maciel Felizardo. This marks a historic milestone, as only four women have held lawyer-designated seats in the court's 94-year history.

The selection process has faced internal scrutiny. Justice Orlando Perri raised allegations of potential interference in the election, describing the process as a possible “farsa” (farce) or “jogo de cartas marcadas” (rigged game) following the withdrawal of four candidates just before the vote. Perri stated he possesses “evidências fortes” (strong evidence) regarding these suspicions and requested an investigation.

Other judges dismissed the claims as unsubstantiated gossip, noting that candidate withdrawals have occurred in previous processes. The final list will be sent to the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) in Brasília. Following TSE approval, the President of Brazil will appoint one of the three women to fill the vacancy left by Welder Queiroz dos Santos.