Praia Norte mayor removed by court; new elections ordered

The Regional Electoral Court of Tocantins (TRE-TO) has unanimously upheld the removal of Mayor Bruna Gabrielle Neves Pires de Araújo from office due to the abuse of political and economic power during the 2024 elections. The ruling also affects the vice-mayor, as the court determined the electoral ticket was indivisible.

While the mandate of the elected slate was revoked, the court removed the personal ineligibility sanction from the vice-mayor, Abraão Carolino da Silva (also known as Cabeça), citing a lack of evidence regarding his active participation in the irregularities. Consequently, Silva has signaled his intention to run in the upcoming supplementary elections mandated by the court.

In contrast, Bruna Gabrielle has been sentenced to eight years of ineligibility. Following the court's decision, the president of the City Council is expected to assume the mayoralty on an interim basis until new elections are held. The court has also requested that the Public Prosecutor's Office investigate potential crimes against public administration and administrative improbity related to the case.