Brazilian Congresswoman Files Complaint Over Remarks Attacking Women's Vote

Jack Rocha, the coordinator of the women's caucus in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies, has filed a complaint with the Prosecutor-General's Office (PGR). The complaint seeks an investigation into statements and a pamphlet that Rocha alleges attack universal suffrage and women's participation in elections. Specifically, the complaint targets a declaration by businessman Paulo Figueiredo, an ally of Flávio Bolsonaro, who reportedly stated that women "vote poorly." While the PL presidential pre-candidate has disavowed Figueiredo's remarks, Rocha also requests an analysis of a pamphlet from the Missão Party. This pamphlet, according to the congresswoman, criticizes universal suffrage and suggests a "family vote" system. Rocha argues that these contents encourage the erosion of women's political autonomy and promote patriarchal tutelage over female voters. She highlighted that women constitute approximately 52% of Brazil's electorate, over 81 million voters, making these statements a direct attack on the largest voting bloc. The congresswoman contends that implying the female vote is inferior or subordinate to the male vote creates an environment of symbolic intimidation, hostility, and delegitimization of women's electoral participation. The representation suggests these actions could constitute discriminatory propaganda, gender-based political violence, and a violation of parties' constitutional duties. Rocha is requesting the immediate opening of a procedure with the Electoral Prosecutor's Office and the referral of the case to the Working Group on Prevention and Combatting Gender-Based Political Violence. Requested measures include preserving digital content for analysis, seeking clarification from the Missão Party, and notifying the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) to reinforce institutional campaigns valuing women's political participation. The parliamentarian also seeks electoral justice intervention against irregular and discriminatory propaganda within an electoral context.