Distrito Federal suspends school classes ahead of 2026 elections

The Government of the Federal District (GDF) has decreed the suspension of classes in all public and private schools on the Fridays preceding the 2026 general elections. The suspension applies to October 2 and October 23, 2026. However, if the election is decided in the first round, classes will resume as normal on October 23.

This measure aims to facilitate electoral logistics, as schools are frequently used as polling stations. While students will be off, school staff and administrators must report to work starting at 7:00 AM to assist with the organization and receipt of electronic voting machines. In the public school system, the State Secretariat of Education will oversee the rescheduling of lost class hours, whereas private institutions are responsible for their own academic adjustments.

Separately, candidates for the GDF government participated in a debate organized by Metrópoles. The event, which included candidates Celina Leão, José Roberto Arruda, Leandro Grass, Paula Belmonte, Ricardo Cappelli, and Kiko Caputo, was characterized by frequent requests for the right of reply and heated exchanges regarding personal and family accusations.