The second round of Brazil's municipal elections is scheduled for October 27. It has been reported that criminal groups are using new financial methods to influence the results, in addition to resorting to violence, a traditional tactic to intervene in the political scene. During the current electoral period, Brazilian legislators have denounced an unprecedented amount of corruption, vote buying, and infiltration by organized crime.
According to Federal Police data, more than 50 million reais related to vote buying and the use of undeclared money to electoral authorities have been seized. This figure far exceeds what was seized in previous electoral cycles. The Superior Electoral Court has also documented similar evidence, making this issue a central theme during political campaigns.
In states like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, which host two of Brazil's most influential criminal groups, PCC and Comando Vermelho (CV), violent acts have been reported to interfere in the elections. For example, an armed man shot at the vehicle of a councilor and mayoral candidate in Valparaíso, São Paulo.
The Federal Police have intensified their efforts against electoral financial crimes, conducting more than 60 operations focused on organized crime participation before the first round of the elections. This represents a significant increase compared to previous elections. The states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have been the most affected by election-related violence in the months leading up.
There are fears that criminal groups will use coercion and restrict mobility in certain communities to influence who can vote. Additionally, there has been an increase in attacks against local officials, raising alarms among political actors. Specific cases have revealed the possible involvement of the Primeiro Comando da Capital in public contracts, although concrete evidence has yet to be presented.
