Five federal deputies from Roraima pressured the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) to resume the trial that could result in the impeachment of governor Antonio Denarium (Progressives) and his deputy, Edilson Damião (Republicans).
The process, suspended since August 13, was the subject of a press conference held this Wednesday (13), in the Chamber of Deputies, with the presence of representatives Albuquerque (Republicanos-RR), Duda Ramos (MDB-RR), Gabriel Mota (Republicanos-RR), Helena Lima (MDB-RR) and Nicoletti (União Brasil-RR).
During the event, deputy Nicoletti highlighted that the charge is to ensure transparency and legal security. “What we want is a response from a court that needs to provide transparency to the processes. We want to know whether he will be acquitted or convicted.” He also mentioned conversations with Minister Cármen Lúcia, president of the TSE, to highlight the importance of resuming the trial.
The accusation against Denarium and Damião, presented by the Roraima Very Better Coalition, led by former mayor Teresa Surita (MDB), includes a series of allegations of irregularities during the 2022 election year. Among the accusations are:
- Distribution of basic food baskets and R$200 cards through the Cesta da Família program during the election year;
- Carrying out home renovations through the Morar Melhor program in the same period;
- Emergency transfer of R$70 million to municipalities affected by rain without following legal criteria;
- Use of institutional advertising with a high level of personal promotion;
- Excessive spending on institutional advertising in the year of the election.
The Electoral Attorney General’s Office recommends that the TSE maintain the decision of the Regional Electoral Court of Roraima (TRE-RR), which determined the revocation of the ticket, the ineligibility of Denarium until 2030 and the holding of new elections in the state.
The trial began in August, with the reading of the report by Minister Isabel Gallotti, but was interrupted without the presentation of votes. At the time, Denarium and Damião’s defense argued that the TRE-RR ignored the votes of two electoral judges against the revocation. The defense also supported the legality of the government’s actions in an election year, while the prosecution lawyers highlighted the intensive use of public funds to influence the electoral result.
The resumption of the trial awaits scheduling by the TSE presidency, which must establish a new date for the continuation of discussions.
A People’s Gazette contacted Governor Antonio Geranium’s office to find out if there is any position on the process, but has not yet heard back. The space remains open for updating.
