TRE-SP Rejects Appeal and Maintains Pablo Marçal's Ineligibility

José Antonio Encinas Manfré, the president of the Regional Electoral Court of São Paulo (TRE-SP), rejected appeals from Pablo Marçal and the Electoral Public Ministry, maintaining a decision that renders Marçal ineligible for office. Marçal was previously convicted for the undue use of communication media during the 2024 São Paulo mayoral elections. The court also upheld a fine of 420,000 reais. The conviction stemmed from a contest Marçal organized where participants were encouraged to publish video clips of the candidate in exchange for promised payments and gifts.

In his appeal, Marçal argued that there was insufficient evidence to justify the conviction and claimed a lack of defense. President Encinas Manfré rejected these arguments, stating that the defense failed to demonstrate specific prejudice or contest the legal foundations of the conviction. He noted that the rules of the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) prevent the re-examination of factual evidence through this type of appeal.

Simultaneously, the Electoral Public Ministry appealed to have Marçal also convicted of abuse of economic power and the illicit capture and spending of resources. The TRE-SP rejected this request, concluding that there was insufficient proof that payments to participants actually occurred.

Despite his ineligibility, Marçal has registered a candidacy for the Presidency of the Republic. On Thursday, the TSE barred him from accessing the electoral fund and prohibited his participation in radio, television, and debates. The court stated that these measures are necessary to prevent public resources from benefiting a candidacy that is juridically inviable.