Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court has new chief judge
The head of Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court (TSE), Judge Alexandre de Moraes, advocated democracy and the country’s voting system in his inauguration speech Tuesday (Aug 16). He is taking the helm of the nation’s top electoral court for a two-year term succeeding Judge Edson Fachin.
The new chief judge opened his address by stating that the court works with transparency and in honor of its history and vocation of making democracy a reality.
“We are the only democracy in the world that counts and publishes election results on the same day—promptly, safely, competently, and transparently. This is a source of national pride,” he declared.
Regarding the voting machines, the president said the system will always be improved, which makes it possible for results to be announced on the same day as the vote.
“Brazilians type in their votes with confidence, wait for the counting to end, and the outcome is unveiled on the same day, for the safety, comfort, and pride of our voters,” he declared.
Judge Moraes also noted that the exercise of democracy ensures that citizens can choose their representatives on a regular basis.
“The only path towards growth and a solid republic is respect for the institutions and for the strength of democracy as the only political regime, in which all power emanates from the people and must be exercised for the good of the people.”
At the end of his speech, Judge Moraes urged respect for democracy. “It is time to stand as one. It is time to have confidence in the future and it is time, above all, to respect, defend, strengthen, and consecrate democracy.”
Bio
Judge Moraes holds a degree from the Largo de São Francisco Law School and a doctorate in State Law from the same institution. Throughout his career, he has worked as a prosecutor and served as Secretary of Justice, Secretary of Transportation, and Secretary of Security of São Paulo, as well as President of juvenile institution Fundação Casa, formerly known as FEBEM.
In 2016, Judge Moraes became minister of Justice. The following year, after the death of Supreme Court Chief Justice Teori Zavascki, he was appointed by former president Michel Temer to occupy a chair in the country’s top court.
He also joined the Superior Electoral Court in 2017 as a substitute judge, and became a full member in June 2020.
Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court is made up of seven judges—three from the Supreme Court, two from the Superior Court of Justice, and two appointed by the president, plus their substitutes.
