✓ verbatim from the press ? no verbatim passage
The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) maintained on Tuesday (2) the conviction of former Rio de Janeiro Governor Cláudio Castro (PL) for abuse of political and economic power, confirming his ineligibility until 2030. Unanimously, the ministers rejected defense appeals requesting annulment of the judgment. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"O Tribunal Superior Eleitoral (TSE) negou nesta terça-feira (2), por 5 votos a 2, o recurso apresentado por Cláudio Castro (PL), ex-governador do Rio de Janeiro e manteve a condenação à inelegibilidade por abuso de poder político e econômico nas eleições de 2022."
The TSE also rejected, by 5 votes to 2, the Electoral Public Ministry's request to formally recognize the cassation of Castro's diploma — a distinction that defines whether the office vacancy has an "electoral cause" (requiring direct election) or administrative (allowing indirect election by the Legislative Assembly). ✓
Press quotes (1)
"O TSE também recusou o pedido do Ministério Público Eleitoral (MPE) para que fosse determinada a cassação do diploma do ex-governador."
With the TSE decision finalized, the Supreme Federal Court can resume judgment on the format of the election for interim governor. According to official STF information, so far four ministers (Luiz Fux, André Mendonça, Nunes Marques and Cármen Lúcia) voted for indirect election in the Legislative Assembly, while Minister Cristiano Zanin defended direct election. Minister Flávio Dino had requested vista in April to await the conclusion of the TSE process. ?
Press quotes (1)
"Até o momento, quatro ministros (Luiz Fux, André Mendonça, Nunes Marques e Cármen Lúcia) entendem que a eleição deve ser indireta, pela Assembleia Legislativa do estado (Alerj), com voto secreto. Para o ministro Cristiano Zanin, a escolha deve ser por voto direto da população."
Rio de Janeiro has been governed interim by the president of the Court of Justice, Judge Ricardo Couto, since Castro resigned in March on the eve of the judgment that resulted in his conviction. Castro was denounced for using structures of the Ceperj Foundation and the State University of Rio de Janeiro (Uerj) to benefit his 2022 re-election campaign. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"O Supremo determinou, em abril, que o presidente do Tribunal de Justiça do Rio de Janeiro, Ricardo Couto, exerça o cargo de governador até a análise das ações que questionam no tribunal o modelo de escolha do sucessor de Castro."
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When will the STF resume judgment on direct vs. indirect election in Rio de Janeiro?
Why it's still unknown: Minister Flávio Dino requested vista in April and informed he would release the case after publication of the TSE judgment, but there is no defined date for resumption
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What will be the position of the other STF ministers (Alexandre de Moraes, Gilmar Mendes, Roberto Barroso and Edson Fachin) on the succession issue?
Why it's still unknown: Only 5 of 11 ministers have voted so far in the STF