Minister Kassio Nunes Marques was sworn in as president of the Superior Electoral Court on Tuesday (12), defending Brazil's electronic voting system as "institutional patrimony of our democracy" and warning about the risks of artificial intelligence use in the 2026 elections. André Mendonça was sworn in as vice-president, both having been appointed to the Supreme Court by former president Jair Bolsonaro. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"O sistema eletrônico de votação brasileiro constitui patrimônio institucional da nossa democracia"
"Devemos estar atentos às novas tecnologias que, quando mal utilizadas, podem representar ameaças ao nosso processo democrático. Refiro-me, especial e novamente, ao perigo potencial do uso desordenado das ferramentas de inteligência artificial"
The ceremony brought together President Lula, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro — a presidential pre-candidate — and authorities from all three branches of government, symbolically marking the beginning of the 2026 electoral cycle. Nunes Marques stated that the TSE must act "without omission in the face of concrete threats to the democratic process, but also without incurring excesses incompatible with the democratic rule of law," signaling a different approach from the previous administration. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"sem incorrer em omissões ou excessos incompatíveis com o estado de direito"
The new president highlighted specific concerns about artificial intelligence, citing "the potential danger of disordered use of artificial intelligence tools" and mentioning new rules approved by the TSE governing AI use in campaigns. The TSE had regulated AI use in elections for the first time during the 2024 municipal elections, prohibiting deepfakes and requiring identification of synthetic content, with penalties including cancellation of registration or mandate. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"O Tribunal Superior Eleitoral (TSE) regulamentou, nesta terça-feira (27), de maneira inédita, o uso da inteligência artificial (IA) na propaganda de partidos, coligações, federações partidárias, candidatas e candidatos nas Eleições Municipais de 2024"
Nunes Marques emphasized defending freedom of expression and stated that "the institutional neutrality of Electoral Justice is precisely what allows it to serve everyone's political freedom." Regarding electronic voting machines, he declared that "our system is the most advanced in the world," countering Bolsonaro supporters' questioning of the electoral system's reliability that marked the 2022 elections. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"A neutralidade institucional da Justiça Eleitoral é precisamente o que lhe permite servir à liberdade política de todos"
"nosso sistema é o mais avançado do mundo"
Nunes Marques and André Mendonça were both appointed to the Supreme Court by Jair Bolsonaro
TSE presidency follows seniority criteria among Supreme Court ministers
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (2)
Inauguration party cost R$ 800 per person and was funded by Ajufe
Alcolumbre refused to applaud Jorge Messias during the ceremony
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What specific changes in AI regulation does the TSE plan to implement for 2026?
Why it's still unknown: Nunes Marques mentioned AI concerns but did not detail new measures beyond those already approved for 2024
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How will the TSE's approach to disinformation compare to Alexandre de Moraes' management?
Why it's still unknown: Nunes Marques signaled moderation but did not specify changes in disinformation combat procedures
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What will be André Mendonça's specific role as TSE vice-president?
Why it's still unknown: Sources focused on Nunes Marques' inauguration without detailing the vice-president's duties