Electoral Justice revokes 4 PL deputies in Ceará – 05/30/2023 – Power

The Regional Electoral Court of Ceará impeached four state deputies from the PL, the party of former President Jair Bolsonaro, on charges of fraud in the gender quota in last year’s elections. It is possible to appeal and the deputies remain in office until the judgment of the process in the last instance.

The decision removed the entire PL ticket that contested the elections for the Legislative Assembly, including the four elected deputies: Carmelo Neto, Marta Gonçalves, Dr. Silvana and Pastor Alcides Fernandes.

In the vote, which took place in a judgment session this Tuesday (30), the majority of the members of the TRE considered that the PL committed fraud regarding the gender quota. There were three against the impeachment, including the rapporteur, four votes in favor. The action was filed by the PT directory in Ceará.

Electoral legislation requires that party slates in proportional disputes have at least 30% of seats occupied by women. In its decision, the TRE considered that the PL would have at least seven “ghost candidacies” from women aiming to circumvent the law.

Carmelo Neto and Alcides Fernandes are known for their proximity to former president Jair Bolsonaro.

At the age of 21, Carmelo was the most voted state deputy for the Legislative Assembly of Ceará in 2022 with 118 thousand votes and is known as one of the most active influencers in the Bolsonarist field.

Pastor of the Assembly of God, Alcides Fernandes is the father of federal deputy André Fernandes, author of the CPI request on January 8, and investigated by the Federal Police on suspicion of inciting the coup attacks promoted in Brasília by Bolsonaro supporters.

Alcides is also a composer of evangelical songs and composed jingles for the Bolsonaro campaign such as “I am Bolsonariano”, “I’m with Jair again”, “Welcome to the northeast, President”.

On a social network, Carmelo Neto said he will appeal the decision to the Superior Electoral Court and highlighted that he remains in office until a final decision is reached: “We will not rest until justice is reestablished.”

He also denied the existence of fraud and classified the process in the Electoral Court as persecution: “All women from the PL were voted, signed the candidacy register and participated in the convention. The PL ticket had 43% of female votes.”

Alcides Fernandes also informed that he will appeal the decision: “We will not give up on the people of Ceará. I will remain firm with a purposeful mandate, monitoring and denouncing. They will not stop us.”

Dr. Silvana classified the setback as the first battle of a war: “We will not lower our heads”, said the parliamentarian, noting that there are still other stages of the process and she will appeal in all instances.

State deputy Marta Gonçalves did not comment on the decision on her social networks until 7 pm this Tuesday.