São Paulo Electoral Court Upholds Eight-Year Ban on Pablo Marçal Over Social-Media Scheme

Overview

• The São Paulo regional electoral court (TRE-SP) voted 4–3 to keep Marçal ineligible, with court president Silmar Fernandes breaking the tie.
• Judges found misuse of communications through a paid 'concurso de cortes' that incentivized the production and spread of campaign clips with cash and gifts.
• The court maintained a R$420,000 fine for noncompliance with a judicial order during the 2024 mayoral race.
• Marçal won partial relief as the panel removed convictions for illicit fundraising and spending as well as abuse of economic power.
• The suit was filed by the PSB linked to Tabata Amaral’s campaign, Marçal had not commented at publication time, and his team can seek review at the Superior Electoral Court (TSE).