Runoff Election Could Be Decided on Wednesday

The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) has scheduled for next Wednesday the judgment that could determine the future of the Rio de Janeiro gubernatorial election. The decision will depend on the acceptance of Anthony Garotinho's appeal withdrawal, whose candidacy registration was rejected due to a conviction for administrative impropriety in 2018.

How the Vote Could Change

With 100% of the ballots counted, Douglas Ruas (PL) received 4,271,199 votes, equivalent to 49.27% of valid votes. Eduardo Paes (PSD) received 3,706,984 votes, or 42.76%. Garotinho obtained 274,411 votes, 3.17%. If Garotinho's votes are annulled, the calculation base for the percentages decreases from 8,669,038 to 8,394,627, raising Ruas's percentage to above 50% and enabling a first-round victory.

What the TSE Has Already Decided

On Friday, Minister Floriano de Azevedo Marques determined that Garotinho's votes should not be considered valid and should be listed as annulled sub judice. Subsequently, Garotinho's defense filed the withdrawal of the appeal. If the withdrawal is accepted, his votes will be definitively annulled, and the new count could declare Ruas elected in the first round.

Reaction from Paes and the MPE

Eduardo Paes, with the coalition "Juntos para Mudar, Coragem para Reconstruir" (Together to Change, Courage to Rebuild), requested that the runoff be confirmed even after Garotinho's withdrawal, arguing that the candidate continued to participate in the electoral process with all prerogatives. The Electoral Public Prosecutor's Office (MPE) expressed support for Garotinho's withdrawal.

Implications of the Decision

If the TSE accepts the withdrawal, Garotinho's votes will be considered null, and the new count could proclaim Douglas Ruas elected in the first round. Otherwise, Ruas and Paes will proceed to the runoff.

Next Steps

The judgment is scheduled for Wednesday, at 10 AM. The final decision of the TSE collegiate will define whether or not there will be a runoff in the Rio de Janeiro gubernatorial election.

With information from G1, Agência Brasil.