PDT files lawsuit with the TSE to annul the creation of Solidariedade.

In the petition, the PDT's lawyers allege irregularities in the collection of signatures from supporters of Solidariedade, such as signatures from voters who supported the creation of another party and certificates with evidence of fraud; the PDT also requests that endorsements validated by regional electoral courts be considered, not just those from electoral offices; Paulinho says that the PDT's action is a "clear act of desperation."

October 02, 2013, 23:08 PMUpdated July 10, 2018, 08:51 pm

In the petition, PDT lawyers allege irregularities in the collection of signatures from Solidariedade supporters, such as signatures from voters who supported the creation of another party and certificates with evidence of fraud; PDT also requests that endorsements validated by regional electoral courts be considered, not just those from electoral offices; Paulinho says that PDT's action is a "clear act of desperation" (Photo: Valter Lima)

André Richter
Reporter from Agência Brasil

Brasilia – The Democratic Labor Party (PDT) filed a writ of mandamus with the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) to annul the registration of Solidariedade, a party founded by Congressman Paulo Pereira da Silva (PDT-SP), known as Paulinho da Força Sindical. Solidariedade's registration was granted on September 24th.

In the petition, the PDT's lawyers allege irregularities in the collection of signatures from supporters of Solidariedade, such as signatures from voters who supported the creation of another party and certificates with evidence of fraud. The PDT also requests that only endorsements validated by regional electoral courts be considered, not just those from electoral offices.

The party also alleges that it is being harmed by Solidariedade because Congressman Paulo Pereira da Silva, a former member of the PDT, is "recruiting federal and state parliamentarians" to join the new party. "There is not only a threat that the PDT will be affected by the migration of parliamentarians from its benches in various federative entities, but also a concrete indication that it will see its television time in the electoral propaganda of the next election reduced, as well as the allocation of party funds," say the lawyers.

In a press release, Paulinho says that the PDT's action is a "clear act of desperation" and that the TSE recognized that the creation of Solidariedade is legitimate.

“With this legal process, the PDT's intention is to create a false narrative to discourage parliamentarians who intend to migrate to the new party during the period allowed by electoral law, which ends on Saturday, October 5th,” the congressman states. In the note, he also emphasizes that the TSE (Superior Electoral Court) recognized the legitimacy of Solidariedade “since its inception.”

Editing: Nadia Franco