Lula Campaign Registers WhatsApp Channel Amid Electoral Legal Battles; Brazil Prepares for Crucial October 25 Runoff Elections

On October 13, 2026, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's re-election campaign officially registered the influential WhatsApp channel "Exército do Lula" with Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE). The channel, boasting over four million subscribers, is managed by re-elected deputy André Janones. This move came in response to TSE president Kássio Nunes Marques, who insisted on the channel’s formal registration to comply with electoral law and avoid being suspended. Nunes Marques had previously ordered the channel’s removal twice, citing lack of registration and potential spread of misinformation following complaints from Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign.

However, a technical report by the TSE found no evidence of disinformation on the channel. The campaign clarified that it only registered the channel without taking over its administration. Despite a temporary reinstatement by Electoral Justice's national corregedor Ricardo Villas Bôas Cueva—who ruled that the suspension was overreach—the channel was again suspended by Nunes Marques due to procedural issues regarding formal notification.

Meanwhile, Brazil’s politically charged atmosphere intensifies as the second round of elections is scheduled for October 25. Citizens will vote not only for the president but also in gubernatorial contests across five states and the Federal District. Additionally, mayoral elections will take place in several cities across states including Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Sergipe, and Tocantins.

Significant plebiscites on territorial limits will be conducted in Mato Grosso and Paraná. For instance, voters in Poxoréu and Primavera do Leste (Mato Grosso) will decide on transferring the Nova Poxoréu district, while Chopinzinho and São João (Paraná) will consider dismemberment of the Alto Mirim area. Voting will use electronic ballots with clear 'Yes' or 'No' options, reflecting direct democratic participation.

Election-day procedures are set from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Brasília time, with those who missed the first round still permitted to vote. This multifaceted electoral process underscores the dynamic and contested nature of Brazil’s democratic landscape ahead of the critical runoff stage.