Lula will remain on TV until September 17th.

There is no longer any doubt that Lula will be able to appear in the free airtime on TV and radio until at least September 17th. The deadlines for the "challenge" saga have begun. The TSE (Superior Electoral Court) has determined that Lula's defense will have, starting today, seven days to rebut the 16 notifications challenging his candidacy. After that, there will be four more days to hear witnesses. Five more for the collection of evidence. And five more for the final arguments of the accusers.

After the final arguments, the rapporteur, Luis Roberto Barroso, may deliver his verdict or take the case to the full TSE (Superior Electoral Court). This will happen around September 14th. A further appeal will be possible against the decision. Three days later will be the last day to change candidates. Either Lula's name enters the electronic ballot and remains until the end, regardless of the outcome of the saga, or Haddad takes his place.

Lula's defense team has the trump card to play: Article 25 of the Clean Record Law. It stipulates that ineligibility can be suspended if the TSE (Superior Electoral Court) panel, by majority vote, believes it is plausible that the defense will win the case in higher courts. The article states that the candidate can proceed until all appeals are exhausted. However, if he loses the final battle, even if elected, his votes will be annulled and his diploma revoked. The second and third-placed candidates then advance to the second round.

Lula and Haddad will appear together on national TV and radio in seven 2-minute campaign programs, totaling 17 minutes, and in 68 30-second spots during commercial breaks, or 34 minutes. This is enough time for Lula to further increase his lead over the other candidates and practically secure a first-round victory, whether he or Haddad heads the ticket.

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