Carter Center reverses course, will send election observation mission to Brazil

The Carter Center has reversed its decision and will send an election observation mission to Brazil for the upcoming October elections. This marks a significant shift after the center had previously informed the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) that it would not participate.

The organization, the only American entity invited by the TSE, intends to concentrate its efforts on Brazil's electronic voting system and electoral education. The specialists will compile a report on these critical aspects following the election.

“

the need to expand international monitoring of elections to shield the process from possible challenges to the results and the voting machines.

This move aligns with the TSE's strategy, championed by its president, Minister Kassio Nunes Marques, to enhance international monitoring. The goal is to shield the electoral process from potential disputes over results and the integrity of the voting machines. International missions are expected to observe various stages, from ballot box preparation to vote counting.

The Carter Center, founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, has extensive experience in election observation, having conducted over 100 missions globally. Its participation in Brazil's 2022 elections, where it observed the contest between Lula and Jair Bolsonaro, was instrumental in countering narratives that questioned the electronic voting system. The center's involvement is seen as crucial for reinforcing confidence in the democratic process.

“

international observation missions will be able to officially follow different stages of the electoral process, including public audit ceremonies, preparation of electronic voting machines, voting, counting, and tabulation of votes.