In Aparecida, Alckmin calls for electoral justice impartiality and defends religious freedom

The vice-president of the Republic and candidate for re-election, Geraldo Alckmin, stated on Monday (12), in Aparecida (SP), that the Justiça Eleitoral must act impartially and preserve rights such as freedom of expression and political demonstration.

The statement was made after Alckmin attended the solemn Mass in honor of Nossa Senhora Aparecida, at the National Shrine. Asked about criticism involving recent decisions by Justiça Eleitoral, he stressed that institutions must ensure balance during the election period.

According to Alckmin, there are complaints related to the removal of content and manifestations from digital platforms. For the Vice-President, any decisions must be considered respecting the freedoms provided for by the legislation.

The demonstration comes amid a discussion about the WhatsApp channel called “Exército do Lula”, created to disseminate content favorable to the candidacy for the re-election of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT).

On Sunday (11), the president of the Superior Electoral Court (TSE), Minister Kassio Nunes Marques, had ordered the suspension of the channel after a request submitted by the candidate for the Presidency Flávio Bolsonaro. Later, the electoral co-director general, Minister Ricardo Villas Bôas Cueva, overthrew the determination and authorized the reactivation of the channel.

On Monday, an analysis made by the technical team of TSE reported that it did not identify, among the publications evaluated in the period from October 2 to 11, false content equal to or substantially similar to the information pointed out in the process.

Alckmin commented on religious freedom

During the interview, Alckmin was also asked about the discussion involving the title of Nossa Senhora Aparecida as patron of Brazil.

The theme gained repercussion after information about possible criticisms of evangelical sectors linked to the campaign of Flávio Bolsonaro to the national recognition of the saint. The PL candidate denied any intention to withdraw the title of Nossa Senhora Aparecida.

Alckmin stated that religious manifestations and cultural traditions should be respected regardless of the belief of each citizen. For him, respect must reach Catholics, evangelicals, followers of other religions and also people without religion.

The vice president also cited measures adopted during President Lula’s governments related to religious freedom and stressed that every Brazilian should have the right to follow his own faith, provided that he also respects the religious choices of others.

The declarations were made during the celebrations of October 12, when thousands of faithful participate in religious activities in honor of Nossa Senhora Aparecida inside São Paulo.

Read also: https://bntonline.com.br/governo-lula-tentar-acelerar-pec-da-seguranca/