Rio Mayor Paes Appeals to STF Against TSE Vote Annulment, Seeks Runoff

Rio de Janeiro mayor Eduardo Paes has filed an appeal with Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) against a Superior Electoral Court (TSE) decision that annulled votes and ordered a second round in the mayoral election. If the TSE ruling stands, opponent Douglas Ruas would be declared elected based on first-round results. The legal challenge introduces uncertainty over the final outcome of the Rio mayoral race.