Paraíba governorship candidacy dispute

The PSOL‑Rede federation scheduled a virtual meeting for 17 May to decide on Olímpio Rocha’s pre‑candidacy for the Paraíba governorship. Party officials noted an internal trend toward vetoing his bid, favoring the incumbent Lucas Ribeiro (PP). PSOL president Mônica Vilaça publicly argued that the pre‑candidacy should be upheld while the federation’s decision, expected before the early‑August party convention, was awaited. Rocha maintained that his pre‑candidacy remained viable and gave an interview on CBN Paraíba on 16 May.

On 26 July, the Paraíba state federation voted 8‑4 to endorse Lucas Ribeiro, effectively rejecting Rocha’s bid. Rocha announced he would immediately appeal the decision to the national PSOL‑Rede direction, claiming the state resolution lacks legal validity and could be overturned by the national majority. No response from the national federation has been recorded, and the dispute remains unresolved as the October election approaches.

The controversy highlights a split within the PSOL‑Rede alliance between the state branch, which supports the governing coalition, and Rocha’s faction, which seeks an independent left‑of‑centre candidacy for governor.