Brazilian Electoral Authorities Strengthen Fight Against Gender-Based Political Violence

In September 2026, Brazil’s Tribunal Superior Eleitoral (TSE) and the Electoral Public Ministry (MP Eleitoral) solidified a collaborative agreement to intensify efforts against gender-based political violence targeting women. This crime, legally defined under Law nº 14.192 since 2021 and punishable by one to four years imprisonment, includes threats, harassment, and digital abuse that hinder women's political participation.

The agreement, signed by TSE President Kassio Nunes Marques and Vice Attorney General Alexandre Espinosa, introduces technological innovations such as Likeness ID—a tool developed in cooperation with Google to detect deepfake and unauthorized use of candidates’ images online. The partnership includes a robust emergency protocol for rapid intervention in cases of imminent danger, a coordinated support structure involving police enforcement, and enhanced victim assistance through TSE's Women's Ombudsman.

Currently, 433 gender-based political violence cases are being tracked nationwide, with over 90 complaints advancing to legal processes. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges women face, including underreporting due to fear or isolation. Southeast Brazil, particularly São Paulo, accounts for a significant portion of cases, underscoring regional disparities.

TSE data reveals women comprise 35% of the candidates in the 2026 elections, equivalent to 7,364 of 20,900 candidates. Yet, their political engagement remains threatened by persistent violence—citing the assassination of Marielle Franco as a chilling example still exploited to intimidate female politicians.

President Kassio Nunes Marques characterized gender-based political violence as an "aggression to democracy," noting that such acts silence half the Brazilian population. He called on political parties and men to actively facilitate women's political inclusion. The judicial authorities also launched the "Politics is a Feminine Noun" campaign, using multimedia resources to increase public awareness.

This multi-pronged approach, combining legal enforcement, technology, victim support, and public education, marks a historic commitment by Brazil's electoral institutions to safeguard women’s political rights and combat gender-based violence in the electoral process.