Public Prosecutor's Office Seeks Invalidation of Rueda's Candidacy

The Electoral Public Prosecutor's Office (MPE) submitted an opinion to the Regional Electoral Court (TRE-RJ) in favor of rejecting Antônio Rueda's candidacy registration. Rueda is the national president of the União party and an ally of Márcio Canella, a candidate for state deputy. This change in stance follows the decision regarding Canella, who was also subject to investigation and a request for invalidation.

Public Prosecutor's Office Changes Stance on Rueda

The MPE had initially opined in favor of clearing Canella's candidacy and, by extension, Rueda's. However, with the arrival of new evidence, the body reviewed its position and is now requesting the invalidation of both candidates.

Evidence Motivating the Change

• Canella appointed two men to municipal secretary positions in Belford Roxo who were barred by the Electoral Justice in 2024 due to ties with militias – Fabinho Varandão and Eduardo Araújo.
• The same men continued to act as vote-getters in Canella and Rueda's campaign for 2026.
• Canella is under investigation in Inquiry 5.020/DF, which is pending before the Supreme Federal Court under the rapporteurship of Minister Alexandre de Moraes.
• During the 6th phase of Operation “Unha e Carne” (Nail and Flesh), the Federal Police found a 5.56 caliber rifle belonging to the Military Police inside Canella's armored car, resulting in his flagrant arrest for illegal possession of a restricted-use weapon and the seizure of R$ 919,000 in cash, luxury cars, and valuable watches.
• The MPE considers these facts evident of a “symbiosis between political power and irregular armed forces,” prohibited by the Federal Constitution.

Canella and Rueda's Defense

Canella argued that the constitutional prohibition does not apply as an automatic cause for ineligibility without prior conviction, and that the appointments of secretaries were legitimate and have already been terminated. He also maintained that the seized weapon belonged to the State of Rio de Janeiro and was under the responsibility of the military police officer assigned to the official escort. Rueda, for his part, has not presented new public defenses at this time.

Impact on the 2026 Elections

The invalidation of Rueda and Canella's candidacies could alter the composition of the political alliance forming the so-called “dobradinha” (tandem) in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The decision follows the constitutional directive to prevent the use of paramilitary organizations and militias in the electoral process, reinforcing the need for transparency and legality in candidacies.

Conclusion

The MPE's change in position demonstrates the importance of new evidence in electoral processes and could influence Rio de Janeiro's political landscape for the 2026 elections.

With information from Tempo Real.