Paraíba prosecutors seek to block several political candidacies

The Electoral Public Ministry (MPE) has filed legal actions in the Regional Electoral Court of Paraíba to block the candidacies of Janine Lucena, Dinho Dowsley, and Vitor Hugo.

The MPE alleges that these politicians are involved with criminal groups in the Greater João Pessoa area. In the case of Janine Lucena, prosecutors argue that she has faced previous denunciations for electoral corruption and involvement in criminal organizations, specifically citing her role in ‘Operação Mandare’ in 2024.

Actions against Dinho Dowsley, president of the João Pessoa Chamber, and former mayor Vitor Hugo are also based on criminal investigations. The MPE cites ‘Operação Território Livre’ regarding Dowsley and alleges constitutional prohibitions against the use of paramilitary organizations in the political process regarding Hugo. Defense attorneys for Lucena have denied the accusations, stating the requests are based on a presumption of guilt and noting she has no criminal convictions.