Zanin extends second-round voting until 7:00 PM across Brazil

On Sunday, Supreme Federal Court (STF) Justice Cristiano Zanin ordered that the second-round voting period be extended until 7:00 PM (Brasília time) at all polling stations across Brazil. The original closing time was 5:00 PM. The decision comes in response to a request from the campaign of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT)—who is running for reelection—citing public transportation difficulties in several cities, particularly in the state of Bahia.

In his ruling, Zanin stated: “Considering the gravity of the reported events, which were brought to the attention of the Supreme Federal Court today at 4:32:49 PM, and given the clear urgency of the matter, I hereby order a two-hour extension—until 7:00 PM (Brasília time)—for the conclusion of voting at all polling stations throughout Brazil, with the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) tasked with implementing this measure.” The initial request from the Workers' Party (PT) coalition focused on Salvador, Feira de Santana, and Lauro de Freitas, where there were reports of a reduction in the number of buses in operation. Justice Zanin extended the measure to the entire country.

The campaign of Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) had also requested an extension from the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) for municipalities in São Paulo, Paraná, and Santa Catarina, citing heavy rains and flooding. Previous requests to the TSE were still under review when the Supreme Federal Court (STF) injunction was issued. The TSE stated that the vote count was paused to comply with the order. In some polling stations, the electronic voting machines had already been closed at 5:00 PM, which raised questions regarding the reopening of the equipment.

Among the cities experiencing issues with the availability of public transport are São Paulo and Salvador. In the capital of Bahia, the electoral authorities even ordered the arrest of the Secretary of Mobility. Municipal governments cited logistical difficulties in maintaining 100% of their bus fleets on the Sunday of the runoff election. Justice Zanin’s ruling takes effect immediately, and it is up to the TSE to implement it at the polling stations.

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