# Electoral activities and legal challenges in Northeast Brazi > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/electoral-activities-and-legal-challenges-in-northeast-brazi > Updated: 2026-08-20T13:57:49.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. Political activity in Northeast Brazil has been marked by both campaign launches and legal challenges. In Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte, candidates for federal deputy positions have begun official mobilization, including plenary sessions and the inauguration of campaign committees. In Paraíba, candidate Doutor Jhony launched his campaign in Campina Grande with a focus on healthcare, while in Rio Grande do Norte, candidates Odon Jr. and Francisco do PT held events in Parelhas and Currais Novos. Simultaneously, the Electoral Public Ministry (MPE) in Paraíba has taken legal action to block several candidacies. Prosecutors have filed requests with the Regional Electoral Court to disqualify Janine Lucena, Dinho Dowsley, and Vitor Hugo. The MPE alleges these individuals are linked to criminal groups, citing previous investigations such as ‘Operação Mandare’ and ‘Operação Território Livre’. Defense attorneys for Lucena have denied the allegations, arguing they are based on a “presumption of guilt” and noting a lack of criminal convictions. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-20: Political candidates launch campaigns in Rio Grande do Norte and Paraíba Candidates Odon Jr., Francisco do PT, and Doutor Jhony have launched official electoral campaigns for federal deputy positions in Rio Grande do Norte and Paraíba. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/political-candidates-launch-campaigns-in-rio-grande-do-norte-and-paraba ### 2026-08-15: Paraíba prosecutors seek to block several political candidacies The Electoral Public Ministry is seeking to block the candidacies of Janine Lucena, Dinho Dowsley, and Vitor Hugo in Paraíba, alleging links to criminal organizations. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paraba-prosecutors-seek-to-block-several-political-candidacies --- Cite as: Electoral activities and legal challenges in Northeast Brazi. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/electoral-activities-and-legal-challenges-in-northeast-brazi