PSOL appeals to the Electoral Justice to try to block Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign in Paraíba

The Tribunal Regional Eleitoral (TRE) of Paraíba has rejected a request submitted by the PSOL party to block a caravan supporting Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, who is running as a presidential candidate under the PL party. The PSOL argued that this event was not a routine political meeting or part of an official campaign but rather a large-scale demonstration organized by City Councilman Fábio Nóbrega Lopes (PL) in João Pessoa. This caravan was planned to start from Campina Grande's airport and proceed towards the city center, with the intention of halting traffic in the municipality.

According to the PSOL, the use of the term "Rota 22," which refers to the number associated with the PL party, indicates that the event could be considered premature electoral propaganda. However, Judge Bianor Arruda Bezerra Neto, an auxiliary judge for electoral propaganda, stated that current laws do not allow for broad and general judicial control over a political manifestation that has yet to occur, especially when its illegality depends on how it is specifically carried out. He emphasized that according to Resolution 23.610/2019 issued by the Superior Electoral Court, the power of police action is limited to necessary measures to prevent illegal practices without endorsing prior censorship of public demonstrations.

Judge Neto concluded that the Electoral Justice cannot preemptively ban future and uncertain political manifestations based on open-ended clauses, without specifying the content deemed illegal or precisely defining the prohibited conduct. The decision allows for an appeal to the Superior Electoral Court (TSE).

The PSOL and the PSOL-Rede Federation filed a complaint with the TRE-PB requesting the suspension of a caravan scheduled for July 3 in Campina Grande, which would welcome Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ). According to the PSOL, the event might constitute premature electoral propaganda, a practice forbidden by law outside the official campaigning period. The lawsuit states that the mobilization was called by political leaders and will take place along the route between the airport and the center of Campina Grande during the senator’s visit to the state.

The PSOL claims that the format of the caravan goes beyond a simple institutional reception and resembles a disguised rally with potential to promote pre-candidates for the upcoming elections in 2026. The complaint cites possible beneficiaries of the mobilization, including Senator Efraim Filho (Union-PB), former Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga (PL), and Federal Deputy Cabo Gilberto Silva (PL-PB), all pointed out as potential candidates in the next election cycle.

In addition, the PSOL requests that the Electoral Justice not only suspend the caravan but also other similar acts related to the event, such as marches, flag-waving, adhesive campaigns, and demonstrations using sound equipment. The party also asks for the removal of social media posts calling supporters to participate in the mobilization. In case of non-compliance with a potential court decision, the party requests fines be imposed.

According to the PSOL, the purpose of the legal action is not to prevent Flávio Bolsonaro’s visit to Paraíba but to avoid the organization of public events that, in their assessment, have typical characteristics of an electoral campaign before the period authorized by legislation. The caravan was rescheduled for next Friday (July 3) after changes in the schedule announced by allies of former Minister Marcelo Queiroga and City Councilman Fábio Lopes.

Now, the case will be analyzed by the TRE-PB, which will decide whether the mobilization can be held or if it constitutes premature electoral propaganda, as alleged by the PSOL. The outcome of this analysis will determine the legality of the event and set a precedent for similar cases in the region.