TSE President Minister Cármen Lúcia announced ten ethical conduct guidelines for Regional Electoral Court (TRE) magistrates during the opening of the 2026 Electoral Judiciary Year. She stressed the need for transparency and strictness against ethical deviations amid general elections set for October. Electoral Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet warned of risks from the misuse of artificial intelligence in campaigns.
On the evening of February 2, 2026, the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) held an extraordinary session to open the 2026 Electoral Judiciary Year, setting the stage for the general elections in October, when Brazil will choose its president, governors, senators, and deputies. TSE President Minister Cármen Lúcia urged political parties to operate in the 'environment of legality' and defended the press's role in institutional correction. 'There is no room for illegality or legal deviations', she stated, emphasizing the need for a reliable and transparent Judiciary to protect constitutional rights.
Cármen Lúcia announced ten conduct recommendations for Regional Electoral Court (TRE) magistrates, to be discussed in a meeting with their presidents on February 10. Among the guidelines are ensuring publicity for hearings, restraint in public statements on elections, prohibition on attending events with candidates to avoid conflicts of interest, and bans on personal political choice manifestations or accepting gifts that question impartiality. 'Manifestations in any medium about the magistrate's personal political choice are unacceptable, as they raise doubts about impartiality', the minister said. She also stressed that transparency is a 'republican imposition' to ensure free elections.
Electoral Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet warned of artificial intelligence dangers in campaigns, noting that ill-intentioned individuals could use it for crimes. Cármen Lúcia added, mentioning preventive and repressive efforts against technologies that 'taint knowledge and information'. Meanwhile, STF President Edson Fachin appointed Cármen as rapporteur for the Supreme Court's Code of Ethics, amid debates on judicial integrity following recent controversies.
These measures aim to bolster trust in the Electoral Judiciary during a pivotal year of national polls.
