TRE-RJ bars 15 candidacies over criminal organization links

Brazil's Rio de Janeiro regional electoral court disqualified 15 candidates, including prominent figures Cristiane Brasil, Pastor Everaldo, and Renato Machado, citing suspected ties to militias and criminal factions. The ruling splits the barred candidates into two groups, with ten linked to paramilitary organizations. This marks a significant electoral integrity action ahead of the 2026 elections, potentially reshaping local political dynamics.