Federal Police Investigate Bus Service Issues Potentially Affecting Voter Turnout in 2026 Brazilian Elections

The Federal Police (PF) has launched investigations into whether problems with bus circulation during the October 25 second round of the 2026 Brazilian general elections affected voter turnout. The inquiry began in Sergipe and expanded to São Paulo, Bahia, Alagoas, and Piauí as authorities assess if the reduction in bus services hindered voters’ ability to cast ballots. Under Article 297 of the Electoral Code, obstructing the voting process can lead to imprisonment and fines.

Dennis Cali, PF Director of Investigation and Combat to Organized Crime and Corruption, highlighted the cooperation between the Federal Police, regional electoral courts, the Electoral Public Prosecutor's Office, and local police forces. Investigations currently include interviews and on-site examinations. The bus circulation issues prompted presidential candidate Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s campaign to request an extension of voting hours in affected areas, which was approved by the Supreme Federal Court (STF) and Superior Electoral Court (TSE), extending voting until 7 PM.

By the end of election day, the PF had opened three inquiries, recorded 44 circumstantial terms, and detained 56 individuals for various electoral offenses including voting secrecy violations, irregular campaigning, and disobedience. Despite these disturbances, the second round of elections registered the lowest abstention rate in 20 years, with abstention down from 21.08% in the first round to 19.22%, equal to 30.5 million voters abstaining compared to over 33 million earlier.

This ongoing investigation seeks to clarify the impact of transportation disruptions on the democratic process, reinforcing the importance of ensuring unhindered voter access in Brazil's elections.