Court upheld the impeachment of candidates from Votorantim (SP) for using religious worship in 2024 for electoral propaganda; this month, Silas Malafaia and Flávio Bolsonaro were the target of representation in RJ
The mayor (PSDB), the vice-mayor (PSDB) the councilor (MDB) of Votorantim (SP) had their candidacy records revoked by the (Superior Electoral Court) on Monday (May 18, 2026). The Court confirmed that the use of churches to promote electoral propaganda is an abuse of political and economic power. Fabíola, her deputy and the councilor were for the (Regional Electoral Court of São Paulo) for using religious worship for political propaganda in the 2024 elections.
According to the process, the 3 politicians used a cult of for political propaganda. The candidates took to the pulpit during the ceremony and received prayers asking for their electoral success.
The pastor present even declared that the faithful would be “closed” with the candidates. The investigation into the process also highlighted an unjustified increase of around 34% in the amount of rent paid by the city hall for a church property, during Fabíola’s term of office.
Politicians appealed the decision on the grounds that participation in the ceremony constituted religious freedom and that there was no request for votes. However, the conviction was unanimously upheld by Minister Antonio Carlos Ferreira. They will also be ineligible for 8 years.
In the decision, the TSE reinforced that religious temples cannot be used in the electoral dispute. The ministers also stated that the absence of a direct request to vote does not eliminate the electoral nature of the event and that the candidates consciously benefited from that structure.
Flávio and Malafaia in the crosshairs
On May 4, the Brasil Secular Movement together with the Regional Electoral Prosecutor’s Office of Rio de Janeiro against pastor Silas Malafaia, the church Assembly of God Vitória em Cristo and 5 other politicians. Among them is the pre-candidate for President, (PL). The institution claims that there was early electoral propaganda and abuse of religious power.
During the ceremony, which brought together around 6,000 faithful, Malafaia called politicians to the altar. He declared that he is “time to support Flávio for president”. For the movement, the conduct violates the Elections Law, which prohibits advertising in temples, as they are common property. In 2022, Malafaia will go to former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL). “Let’s influence, yes”he said at the time.
Here are all those mentioned in the representation:
- Silas Malafaia: lead pastor of the Assembly of God Vitória em Cristo;
- Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ): senator and pre-candidate for the Presidency;
- Douglas Ruas (PL-RJ): state deputy and pre-candidate for the Rio de Janeiro government;
- (PL-RJ): former governor of Rio;
- (PL-RJ): federal deputy and PL leader in the Chamber;
- (Republicanos-RJ): federal deputy and former mayor of Rio.
Group of PL politicians took to the stage of the Assembly of God Vitória em Cristo together with pastor Silas Malafaia
