ACIPG criticizes extension of voting and demands explanations from the Judiciary

The Commercial, Industrial and Business Association of Ponta Grossa (ACIPG) contested the conduct of the second round of the 2026 presidential elections and expressed concern at the decision of Minister Cristiano Zanin of Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF) to extend the voting time on Sunday (25). In a note, the entity questioned the legal certainty of the electoral process and collected clarifications from the responsible authorities.

The demonstration takes place after Zanin initially determines the extension of the vote until 7 pm throughout the national territory, in the face of complaints of difficulties in public transport that could hinder the movement of voters.

The decision, taken close to the usual closing time, at 5 p.m., caused operational doubts, since several electoral sections had finished their work. Later, the minister clarified that the extension would be applied only to places where the ballot boxes remained open.

ACIPG questions differences in voting time

One of the main points raised by the association is the difference in voting conditions between voters from different regions of the country.

According to the entity, while some sections remained open until 7 p.m., others closed the activities at 5 p.m., which generated questions about the uniformity of the electoral process.

The situation was confirmed by the Regional Electoral Court of São Paulo (TRE-SP), which reported that approximately 80% of the electoral sections in São Paulo had already closed the vote at 17:18, when the guidelines on the extension were transmitted to the electoral judges.

For ACIPG, the lack of coordination in the implementation of the measure contributed to widening the controversies at a time that should represent the closure of the electoral dispute.

Association raises questions about Zanin's performance

The note also addresses Cristiano Zanin’s previous performance as a lawyer for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT).

ACIPG considers that this history requires special care in preserving the image of impartiality of the judiciary, although it recognizes that the existence of impediment or suspicion depends on the hypotheses provided for in the legislation.

The entity also questions the proportionality of a decision with national reach taken in the final minutes of the vote, given the operational difficulties for its implementation.

The demonstrations represent the institutional evaluation of the association and do not constitute, in themselves, proof of electoral irregularity or partiality of the magistrate.

Entity alert for impacts on economy and investments

In addition to the electoral issues, ACIPG has shown concern about the economic consequences of a prolonged scenario of institutional insecurity.

According to the association, the predictability of public decisions is fundamental for investments, hiring, access to credit and generation of jobs.

The organization assesses that new judicial disputes related to the elections can compromise the confidence necessary to the planning of companies and families.

The note also mentions the intention announced by the candidate Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) to question the outcome of the lawsuit. Any requests for annulment, however, depend on the analysis and decision of the competent judicial authorities.

ACIPG charges transparency and legal certainty

At the end of the demonstration, the Commercial Association of Ponta Grossa advocates a transparent assessment of the events, especially on the decisions taken, the difficulties of communication between the electoral bodies and the differences observed in the closing of the vote.

The entity reinforces that the credibility of the institutions is essential for the democratic stability and economic development of Brazil.

ACIPG also states that it will continue to work in defense of its associates and for the improvement of the business environment, stressing that legal and institutional security is one of the necessary factors for economic growth.

The demonstration broadens the debate on the events of the second round and places the business sector of Ponta Grossa among the voices that ask for clarifications on the conduct of the electoral process.