Brazilian court annuls Garotinho votes, clearing path for Ruas to win governorship
The Superior Electoral Court struck down former Governor Anthony Garotinho's votes, giving Douglas Ruas a first-round victory in Rio de Janeiro’s gubernatorial race and prompting a Supreme Court challenge.
Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court ordered the removal of former Governor Anthony Garotinho’s votes, effectively ending the scheduled runoff in Rio de Janeiro’s gubernatorial election and paving the way for Douglas Ruas to be declared the winner. The decision, made by a 5-2 vote, requires the regional electoral court to redo the vote count without Garotinho’s ballots. Ruas, who enjoys the backing of presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro, will take office in January if the ruling stands, despite ongoing investigations into alleged embezzlement, money laundering, and other offenses.
Eduardo Paes, supported by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, had been preparing for a runoff on Oct. 25 and announced plans to seek a Supreme Court injunction to allow the vote to proceed. Two justices dissented, arguing that annulling votes after the election would undermine voter participation. Legal experts criticized the timing of the appeal, noting that recent legislative changes have shortened the review period for such disputes.
Why it matters
The ruling could reshape Rio’s political leadership and set a precedent for handling post-election vote annulments in Brazil.
How this story developed
- Sep 3 Lula runs ultra-cautious campaign as poll gap with Bolsonaro narrows
- Sep 13 A new poll released in early September records Bolsonaro at 46% and Lula at 45% in a hypothetical runoff.
- Sep 25 President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva signed an order banning online betting in Brazil, a move that takes effect immediately but needs congressional approval within 120 days.
- Sep 28 The ban is now subject to a 120‑day congressional review.
- Oct 2 Presidential debate scheduled for Oct 1 was cancelled after the electoral court barred Lula’s participation and Bolsonaro withdrew.
- Oct 4 Both candidates held final campaign rallies, with Lula ending his bid in São Paulo and Flávio Bolsonaro leading a motorcycle convoy in São Paulo state.
- Oct 4 Alcohol dependence in Portugal has almost quadrupled over the past ten years, with only a fifth of sufferers receiving treatment, and Brazil prepares for a closely fought presidential vote.
- Oct 4 First round of Brazil’s presidential election was held.
- Oct 4 First round of voting produced no candidate with over 50%, making a runoff likely.
- Oct 5 First‑round results show Flávio Bolsonaro ahead with 47.1% and Lula at 45%, triggering a runoff on Oct 25.
- Oct 5 Senator Flavio Bolsonaro said the recent vote gave the right a dominant majority in Brazil's Senate and Chamber of Deputies.
- Oct 6 Flavio Bolsonaro secured a first‑round victory, making him the runoff frontrunner.
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