The national president of the PSD, Gilberto Kassab, defended that Rio de Janeiro hold direct elections for the State government, given the current situation of institutional instability. For him, however, the ideal would be for the election to take place in a unified manner with the regular electoral calendar, in October, avoiding two votes being held in a short space of time.
“If there is a solution that is constitutionally compatible, I think it should be a direct election, but it should be coincident”said Kassab, this Thursday (April 9, 2026), during Latam Energy Week, in Rio.
In Kassab’s assessment, holding a specific election for a buffer mandate, followed by another election a few months later, can generate wear and tear in a context in which voters already show distrust in relation to politics.
According to the Constitution, the way in which the new governor is chosen depends on the remaining time in office. When the exit occurs more than 2 years before the end, the rule provides for a direct election, with a vote from the population; if it happens in the last 2 years, the choice becomes indirect, made by the Legislative Assembly.
Currently, the State government is under the interim command of the president of the Court of Justice of Rio, Ricardo Rodrigues Cardozo, after the resignation of the governor (PL), one day before the TSE judgment that could lead to the revocation of his mandate and ineligibility.
Ricardo is third in the line of succession, but took over the government because Thiago Pampolha, vice-governor, accepted a position at the TCE (State Audit Court) in 2025, and Rodrigo Bacellar, president of Alerj (Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro), had his mandate as state deputy revoked and is removed from office by decision of the STF.
Kassab suggested that, if there is legal support, the president of the TJ could remain in office until a single election is held. “The President of the Court of Justice will remain until then”he said. For the PSD president, the priority must be to guarantee a solution that preserves political stability and voter participation.
In the same context, he assessed that the former mayor of Rio de Janeiro, (PSD), emerges as a competitive name for the position of governor. According to him, the electoral weight of the capital and the visibility of municipal management expand his political reach throughout the state.
“Rio de Janeiro has a very peculiar situation. The capital has a very large electoral weight, above any city in Brazil. This gives it an advantage”he stated. Kassab also highlighted that Paes’ constant exposure, through social media, contributes to his image among voters.
Furthermore, the PSD president stated that the current political moment, marked by criticism of institutions and concern about cases of corruption, favors candidates with administrative experience and no history of complaints. In this sense, he argued that Paes has relevant attributes for the position. “I think Rio de Janeiro deserves to have Eduardo as governor”these.
