Brazil’s electoral authorities are facing increased political and legal pressure as the country approaches its October 2026 general election, with authorities taking steps to challenge the candidacies of individuals suspected of having connections to organised criminal groups.

The issue has become an important part of Brazil’s election debate because authorities are attempting to prevent criminal organisations from gaining political influence through elected representatives. At the same time, the measures have generated discussion over the legal standards that should apply when a candidate is accused of criminal connections but has not been convicted.

Brazil’s electoral system has traditionally relied heavily on judicial decisions concerning candidate eligibility. Under the country’s existing legal framework, certain candidates can be prevented from running when they meet specified conditions established by electoral and constitutional law.

Recent cases have expanded the debate because electoral authorities have relied on evidence of alleged connections with organised crime rather than waiting for a final criminal conviction in every case. The approach follows a 2024 decision by Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court concerning the use of political organisations and paramilitary structures.

Authorities argue that organised crime should not be allowed to convert control obtained through violence or illegal activities into political influence. The concern is particularly significant in areas where criminal groups exercise substantial influence over local communities and economic activity.

However, the policy has also generated criticism from candidates and legal specialists who argue that accusations alone should not automatically determine whether a person can participate in an election.

A Reuters review published this week found that 20 candidates had been barred through the recent effort to challenge suspected links with organised crime. The review reported that none of those candidates had an appellate-level criminal conviction at the time of the electoral decisions. Candidates affected by such decisions can appeal through the electoral court system.

One of the cases attracting attention involves congressional candidate Clebio Lopes Jacare, whose candidacy was challenged over alleged links to a criminal organisation. Jacare has denied wrongdoing and argued that electoral authorities should rely on evidence rather than assumptions when determining eligibility.

The controversy comes during a highly active election period. Brazil’s first-round general election is scheduled for October 4, with a second round scheduled for October 25 if required. The Superior Electoral Court has confirmed the registration of 12 presidential candidacies for the 2026 election.

The presidential contest has also been accompanied by several legal disputes. Brazil’s electoral authorities and courts have been handling challenges involving campaign statements, candidate eligibility, political advertising and the use of digital content.

The issue of organised crime has become particularly sensitive because criminal groups have expanded their influence in parts of Brazil. Authorities have expressed concern that criminal organisations could use political candidates or elected officials to strengthen their ability to influence public institutions.

The government and electoral authorities therefore face a difficult legal balance. Preventing criminal organisations from entering political institutions is an established public-policy concern, but electoral restrictions also affect citizens’ ability to choose candidates and require a legal basis and evidence.

Brazil’s electoral institutions have emphasised that candidates who are barred at a lower level can use established appeal procedures. This means that some eligibility disputes may continue through higher electoral courts before the final legal position is established.

The debate is taking place alongside broader concerns about political influence, misinformation and election security. Brazil’s Electoral Court has also introduced restrictions concerning the use of artificial intelligence during the 2026 election process, reflecting the growing role of digital technology in political campaigns.

The country’s political environment is therefore being shaped not only by competition between presidential candidates but also by legal disputes over who can appear on the ballot and how campaigns should operate.

As election day approaches, the treatment of candidates accused of criminal connections is likely to remain a significant legal and political issue. The final outcome of individual cases will depend on evidence, applicable electoral law and decisions by Brazil’s courts.

For voters, the ongoing proceedings mean that some candidacies may remain subject to legal review even as campaigning continues. The electoral authorities, meanwhile, are expected to continue applying eligibility rules while preparing for the nationwide vote.