The Regional Electoral Court of the Federal District decided on Thursday, unanimously, to deny the registration of José Roberto Arruda's candidacy for the government of DF. The magistrates understood that the former governor remains ineligible due to convictions for administrative improbity, and that he remains barred from running for elections until December 11, 2030.
The rapporteur of the case, Judge Guilherme Pupe, voted for the recognition of ineligibility based on the convictions for administrative improbity, accepting the impeachment actions presented against Arruda's candidacy. The rapporteur's vote was followed by all other Judges present.
Arruda's defense argued during the trial that the punishment had already ended and that he should have the right to run for the position of governor. The lawyers argued that the conditions for ineligibility no longer applied to the former governor's case.
After the decision, Arruda announced that he will appeal to the Superior Electoral Court. In a statement, the former governor said he has confidence in Justice and declared that the legislation approved by Congress and sanctioned by the president would make him eligible, hoping that this understanding will be recognized in higher courts.
