Brazil runoff live updates: ballot count resumes after two-hour voting extension
Brazil's electoral court extended voting hours during the presidential runoff after reports of public transport shortages in regions favoring incumbent Lula. The move followed allegations that local authorities were intentionally hindering voter access, echoing concerns from previous election cycles.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing political polarization and concerns regarding the integrity of democratic processes and voter suppression in Brazil.
President Lula had sought the voting time extension on the grounds that, in cities across nine Brazilian states, voters were being prevented from casting their ballots because local authorities aligned with Flávio Bolsonaro were failing to provide the free public transport required by law on election day.
The incumbent had first made the request to the electoral court, which is presided over by justice Kassio Nunes Marques, an appointee of former president Jair Bolsonaro who has faced criticism over alleged bias in favour of senator Flávio Bolsonaro in electoral disputes.
Marques had not ruled on the request by the scheduled 5pm end of voting and, minutes later, Zanin granted the extension across the entire country.
The transport problems were reported by several Brazilian media outlets.
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