Brazil's TSE says second-round candidates cannot be arrested from 10 October, with the runoff set for 25 October

10 October 2026

The Tribunal Superior Eleitoral said that from Saturday 10 October, fifteen days before the vote, candidates in the second round cannot be arrested or detained.
The protection runs until 48 hours after the polls close, and the only exception is flagrante delito, being caught in the act.
Anyone detained in flagrante must be taken immediately before a competent judge, who orders release if the detention is found unlawful.
Voters receive the same protection from 20 October, five days before the vote; for them arrest is allowed only in flagrante delito, where a conviction for a non-bailable crime is in force, or where a safe conduct issued by the Electoral Justice is violated.
Poll workers and party poll watchers cannot be arrested or detained in the fifteen days before the election while performing their duties, except in flagrante delito.
The second round of Brazil's 2026 elections is on Sunday 25 October.
The rules are set out in the Código Eleitoral, Law 4.737.