Brazil/Chile: Brazil is taking new steps to curb organised crime's influence ahead of October's general election, seeking to bar candidates suspected of ties to criminal groups from the ballot in what experts described as an unprecedented effort in Latin America.
Rio de Janeiro's Electoral Court moved voting locations for around 202,000 people this year because polling stations were in areas dominated by crime syndicates, according to court president Claudio de Mello Tavares.
Congressional candidate Clébio Lopes Jacaré, whose candidacy was barred over allegations of links to a criminal organisation, denied wrongdoing and said authorities have yet to charge him.
Since 2024, Brazil's Superior Electoral Court has allowed electoral authorities to bar candidates linked to organised criminal groups based on evidence, without waiting for a criminal conviction.
Organised crime groups increasingly finance campaigns, intimidate candidates and, in some cases, field candidates of their own, said Marcela Rios, regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean at the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.
While supporters see the initiative as a necessary response to organised crime's growing reach, critics warn the campaign stretches the limits of existing laws and risks violating due process.
