Brazil's Top Electoral Court Chief Defends Vote After Bolsonaro Fraud Claim

The head of Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE), Nunes Marques, defended the electoral process after defeated presidential candidate Senator Flávio Bolsonaro alleged fraud without providing evidence. Marques stated the 2026 elections occurred with absolute normality and that the people legitimately chose their representatives. Marques did not mention Bolsonaro directly, but his statement came hours after the senator published a letter claiming electoral fraud. The main complaint was the extension of voting time, yet only 34,000 votes were cast after 5 p.m., while President Lula's winning margin exceeded four million votes. In his note, Marques said technical measures ensured a secure election despite final instability, and that all legal challenges would be analyzed and answered.