MP: Arruda will not be able to assume the governorship of the Federal District if elected.

"With the decision of the TJDFT (Court of Justice of the Federal District and Territories), the candidates are prevented from assuming office if elected. However, this only applies if the Court's decision is upheld until the date of the official certification," said the Prosecutor's Office regarding the conviction of former governor José Roberto Arruda (PR), for participation in the alleged corruption scheme known as the DEM mensalão (monthly allowance scandal); Arruda considers the decision "a coup" and states that he will appeal.

July 11, 2014, 08:52 pmUpdated July 10, 2018, 20:46 pm

"With the decision of the TJDFT (Court of Justice of the Federal District and Territories), the candidates are prevented from assuming office if elected. However, this only applies if the Court's decision is upheld until the date of the official certification," said the Prosecutor's Office regarding the conviction of former governor José Roberto Arruda (PR), for participation in the alleged corruption scheme known as the DEM mensalão; Arruda considers the decision "a coup" and says he will appeal (Photo: Roberta Namour)

247 – In a statement, the Regional Electoral Prosecutor's Office of the Federal District affirms that José Roberto Arruda (PR), if elected, will not be able to assume the position of governor of the Federal District due to the conviction for administrative misconduct upheld by the Court of Justice of the Federal District.

The former governor said he disagreed with the decision of the 2nd Civil Chamber of the TJDFT (Court of Justice of the Federal District and Territories) to uphold his conviction and that of congresswoman Jaqueline Roriz (PMN) for participation in the alleged corruption scheme known as the DEM mensalão (monthly allowance scandal).

Arruda says he considers the action "a coup" and reaffirmed that he will maintain his candidacy for the Palácio do Buriti until the end. "Conflicting information is being disseminated. I am a candidate within the framework established by electoral law. My registration was done within the established deadline," he explained.

See below for the full text of the statement released:

PRE-DF is analyzing whether to challenge the candidacy of Arruda and Jaqueline Roriz.

The Public Prosecutor's Office will work to prevent a situation of insecurity for voters.

The Regional Electoral Prosecutor's Office in the Federal District is analyzing the consequences of the TJDFT's decision regarding the candidacies of José Roberto Arruda and Jaqueline Roriz, based on the Clean Slate Law. A copy of the TJDFT's decision confirming the candidates' convictions last Wednesday, the 9th, has already been requested from the Court and, if there is legal plausibility, a request to challenge the registration of their candidacies may be filed within the timeframe stipulated by law.

It is up to the courts to decide whether it is possible to maintain the candidacy of Arruda and Jackeline Roriz. Until there is a final decision on the case (res judicata), the law ensures that the two can continue their campaign, raise funds, and have their names on the ballot.

With the decision of the TJDFT (Court of Justice of the Federal District and Territories), the candidates are prevented from assuming their positions if elected. However, this only applies if the Court's decision is upheld until the date of the official certification of election results. They can still appeal to the Superior Courts.

From the date the notice with the candidate registration requests is published by the TRE-DF (Regional Electoral Court of the Federal District), the PRE-DF (Regional Electoral Prosecutor's Office of the Federal District) has 5 days to request the disqualification of the candidates. The notice is expected to be published tomorrow, the 11th.