TSE Clears 'Exército do Lula' Channel of Fake News Amid Political Tensions

Technical experts from Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE) have concluded that no false content was found in the WhatsApp channel "Exército do Lula," a pro-Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva group that faced suspension after being targeted by Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign. The channel, which surged to over three million members following the first voting round, was initially taken down by TSE President Kassio Nunes Marques but was reinstated by Minister Ricardo Villas Bôas Cueva on October 11, 2026.

The TSE's misinformation unit analyzed posts between October 2 and 11 and found no evidence supporting claims of fake news, such as allegations that Bolsonaro intended to strip Brazil's patroness, Our Lady Aparecida, of her title or involvement with militias. Although coordinated dissemination and polarizing language were noted, no harmful or false content justified the suspension.

President Lula openly criticized Nunes Marques, accusing him of political bias and overreach, stating, "The TSE is exceeding its authority in some decisions against my campaign," and emphasizing that the court leadership should remain impartial in the elections. He pledged to expand his campaign's outreach on WhatsApp, promising to build not only an "Army" but also a "Navy and Air Force of Lula" on the platform.

Lula also touched on broader political matters, urging Flávio Bolsonaro to clarify his position on a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at reducing the maximum workweek from 44 to 40 hours, which he claims is being stalled until after the elections.

These developments reflect broader tensions within the TSE and the Brazilian electoral process, with some ministers suggesting Nunes Marques’s suspension order undermined public and internal trust in the court. Meanwhile, Lula maintains optimism about winning the upcoming runoff, citing close poll numbers and calls for equal judicial treatment to ensure electoral integrity.