Tocantins Electoral Court Guides Public Servants on Election Period Restrictions
The Superior Electoral Court of Tocantins (TRE-TO) has issued guidelines to public servants regarding prohibited conduct during the election period, aimed at ensuring fairness and preventing the misuse of public resources for electoral advantage. These directives, based on TSE Resolution nº 23.757/2026, cover a range of activities from personnel management to official communications and the use of public assets. Violations can lead to penalties including fines, cancellation of candidacies, and ineligibility.
Key restrictions include limitations on public servant appointments, hiring, dismissals, and transfers until the inauguration of elected officials in January. Voluntary resource transfers between different levels of government are also suspended, with specific legal exceptions. Institutional advertising by government bodies is heavily restricted, with campaigns on public works and programs prohibited unless deemed a matter of urgent public necessity by the Electoral Justice. Any content featuring names, slogans, or images that could promote authorities involved in the election must be removed or modified, even if previously published.
The resolution also addresses digital conduct, prohibiting the use of the internet and messaging apps for spreading disinformation, manipulated content, or attacks on the electronic voting system, which could be construed as abuse of political or economic power. Further prohibitions include using public property for campaigns, distributing benefits for electoral purposes, funding public inauguration events with taxpayer money, and allowing candidates to participate in public works inauguration ceremonies.
The TRE-TO's directives underscore the critical need for clear boundaries between public administration and electoral campaigning to safeguard democratic integrity. By detailing 'prohibited conduct,' the court aims to mitigate risks of undue influence and ensure a level playing field, particularly concerning the use of public resources and information channels. The emphasis on digital spaces reflects the evolving landscape of political communication and the challenges of combating disinformation. These measures highlight a systemic effort to uphold electoral fairness by preemptively addressing potential abuses of power and information asymmetry, thereby fostering greater public trust in the electoral process.
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