Mayors of Pitimbu and Grupiara Ousted Over Electoral Abuse in Brazil

Brazil's electoral courts upheld the removal of municipal leaders for abuse of political and economic power during the 2024 elections. In Pitimbu, Paraíba, the 73rd Electoral Zone dismissed the appeals of Mayor Adelma Cristovam dos Passos and Vice‑Mayor José Cláudio da Silva, confirming that their campaign used illicit municipal resources and violating election law. The judge emphasized that the team's defeat automatically voided the vice‑mayor's mandate under the principle of indivisibility of the elected ticket.

In Minas Gerais, the Regional Electoral Court of Minas Gerais unanimously confirmed the cassation of Mayor Rogério Honorato Machado and Vice‑Mayor Ismar José Leandro in Grupiara, citing similar misuse of public appointments, temporary hires and apprenticeship programs to secure votes. The ruling also declared former Mayor Ronaldo José Machado ineligible for eight years and ordered new municipal elections for the town.