Brazil's TSE appoints former CNJ counselor to lead international affairs

Renata Gil, a seasoned judge and former counselor of the National Council of Justice (CNJ), has been appointed to head the newly established international affairs directorate at Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE). The appointment was made by TSE President Kassio Nunes Marques, who aims to differentiate his tenure from his predecessor, Alexandre de Moraes, by fostering a more dialogue-oriented and less interventionist approach.

President Marques justified the creation of the directorate as a necessary step to engage with foreign observers during electoral periods. He believes this will strengthen relationships with international bodies and bolster the transparency of Brazil's elections. Gil's prior experience as president of the Association of Magistrates of Brazil (AMB), where she engaged with international organizations, was cited as a key qualification for the role.

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The court needs foreign observers to participate in the electoral period to strengthen the relationship with international organizations and provide transparency to the election.

Gil, who has been a magistrate in Rio de Janeiro since 1998 and holds a law degree from Uerj, has a notable career in judicial associations. She was the first woman to lead the AMB from 2020 to 2022 and previously served two consecutive terms as head of the Association of Magistrates of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Amaerj).

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I have been a judge for 28 years, I was an electoral judge for 17 years, I conducted the elections in my state [Rio de Janeiro] for an entire electoral period. I also conducted electoral observation in 2022 with Minister [Luís Roberto Barroso], with Minister Alexandre [de Moraes], with Minister [Edson] Fachin. And my history is reduced to being Minister Dias Toffoli's girlfriend?

Responding to suggestions that her appointment was influenced by her relationship with Supreme Court Minister Dias Toffoli, Gil strongly refuted the claims. "I have been a judge for 28 years... and my history is reduced to being Minister Dias Toffoli's girlfriend?" she questioned, labeling such insinuations as misogynistic. She emphasized her extensive experience in electoral processes, including conducting elections in Rio de Janeiro and participating in electoral observation missions with various Supreme Court ministers.

As director of international affairs, Gil will report directly to the TSE presidency. Her role comes at a time when President Marques anticipates potential turbulence due to electoral polarization. He has expressed concern about the electronic voting system facing renewed questioning, similar to what occurred in 2022, and has vowed to defend its integrity, calling it "the most advanced in the world."

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The Brazilian electronic voting system constitutes an institutional asset of our democracy. Regarding the reception, counting, and dissemination of votes, our system is the most advanced in the world. This global position of prominence does not prevent the constant improvement of our system.