by ICL
The campaign of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva filed a lawsuit with Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court against far-right presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro, his running mate, Alfredo Gaspar, and former Federal Deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro yesterday. Lula's Workers Party (PT) alleges suspicions of abuse of political and economic power and misuse of the media.
Image source: Flávio Bolsonaro’s social media account
In a separate move, the PT filed a petition with the Supreme Federal Court requesting the opening of an inquiry to investigate possible foreign interference in Brazil’s electoral process.
According to Lula’s legal team, Flávio Bolsonaro has allegedly used various means to orchestrate support from the United States government, with potential impact on the presidential race.
The lawsuit cites measures like negotiations with U.S. authorities, the imposition of tariffs and sanctions, and the possible use of foreign resources or structures to benefit Bolsonaro’s candidacy.
The PT has also requested an investigation into possible involvement by the Rockbridge Network, a U.S. dark money organization that finances conservative campaigns. The party cites reports published by the website Amado Mundo that allegedly point to irregular activity by the Rockbridge Network in Flávio Bolsonaro’s campaign.
Among the measures requested from the Superior Electoral Court are the taking of testimony, the requisition of documents from public agencies and the lifting of confidentiality protections. If the suspicions are confirmed, the action also asks for Bolsonaro's candidacy to be annulled and for those involved to be declared ineligible.
The next steps will be for the courts to review the complaints and assess whether irregularities exist and whether those named are responsible.
This article has been translated and reprinted, with permission, from ICL. Read it in its original Portuguese here.