Bolsonaro is convicted and becomes ineligible for 8 years, but investigations continue

Last week, former president Jair Bolsonaro was judged by Superior Electoral Court (TSE) and became ineligible for eight years. However, even after the trial and sentence, Bolsonaro still faces investigations and possible convictions.

O Labor Democratic Party (PDT) filed an investigative action alleging that the former president lied about the Brazilian electoral system. This decision was based on a meeting held by Bolsonaro with ambassadors, at Palácio da Alvorada, in 2022. Electoral Public Prosecutor’s Office agreed with the abuse of power and the misuse of the means of communication.

The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) decided to forward the representation on former President Bolsonaro to the court Union accounts (TCU). This action aims to impose a fine on Bolsonaro as an administrative measure.

Furthermore, the TCU is expected to initiate a special accountability, in which Bolsonaro will have the opportunity to defend himself. However, if he is convicted in the process, the former president will again face an eight-year ineligibility.

_{Bolsonaro became ineligible for eight years (Photo: Reproduction/Clauber Cleber Caetano/UOL)}

This information suggests that actions are ongoing at both the TSE and the TCU, with potential legal consequences for Bolsonaro, including an administrative fine and the new possibility of ineligibility.

Decisions are taking place simultaneously, but at different times. The TSE decision takes effect from October 2, 2022, which makes Bolsonaro eligible for the 2030 elections, considering that that year’s election is scheduled for October 6. In the case of a possible trial by the Federal Court of Auditors (TCU), the ineligibility count occurs at the end of the trial, which would lead to ineligibility after 2031.

The basis used to condemn Bolsonaro is in paragraph G of Clean Record Lawwhich deals with the consequences for people who had their accounts, related to the exercise of public positions or functions, rejected due to serious irregularities that characterize intentional acts of administrative misconduct.

According to the final decision of the competent body, unless this decision is suspended or annulled by the Judiciary, these people will be prevented from running in elections that take place in the next eight years, from the date of the decision. This restriction applies to all those who were responsible for expense management, including agents who have served in that capacity.

Featured photo: TSE ministers gathered to vote on action against Bolsonaro. Reproduction/Marcelo Camargo/Agência Brasil.