Brazil electoral courts and OAB manage 2026 campaign disputes

Brazil is seeing significant legal and institutional activity surrounding the 2026 election cycle and the role of the Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil (OAB). The OAB has launched several initiatives, including a project by OAB-RJ to bring violence prevention education to schools and a series of debates in Paraíba with gubernatorial candidates. Additionally, the OAB Federal Council has petitioned the Supreme Federal Court (STF) to monitor investigations involving high-ranking officials and to end indefinite inquiries like the Fake News investigation.

Electoral courts are actively resolving campaign disputes. In Minas Gerais, the TRE-MG ruled that Senator Cleitinho may wear football jerseys during his campaign, rejecting claims that this constitutes unauthorized brand promotion. In Pernambuco, the TRE-PE suspended a previous injunction that prohibited Mendonça Filho from associating his campaign with Governor Raquel Lyra. Meanwhile, in Paraíba, the TRE-PB recently approved Cícero Lucena's candidacy, a decision currently being reviewed by the Public Electoral Ministry.

Other legal developments include the TRE-MA suspending appeals regarding gender quota fraud in São Luís pending an STF decision, and the TSE maintaining a suspension on gender quota fraud rulings in Campinorte, Goiás. In Rondônia, the TRE-RO approved Natan Donadon's candidacy for 2026 despite previous convictions. Security measures are also being finalized, with the Paraíba Military Police planning to deploy 6,200 officers to ensure order during the upcoming elections.