Brazil adopts measures to protect election from possible US interference

Brazilian authorities have been adopting measures to try to protect the electoral process in the country from possible interference from the United States, according to a report published by the American newspaper The New York Times on Monday (28). Among the initiatives are monitoring foreign lobbying and disinformation campaigns, combating false accusations about electoral fraud and coordination with other nations regarding measures to be adopted after the election results are announced.

The Brazilian government is holding informal talks with diplomatic missions from Canada, Japan and Australia, as well as European Union countries, about a joint response after the vote, according to the newspaper. Three senior foreign diplomats interviewed by the New York Times on condition of anonymity said these nations must quickly defend the integrity of the election regardless of who wins, although there is also concern about upsetting Washington.

According to the American newspaper, Brazilian intelligence agencies have now made combating foreign manipulation on social networks a priority. The publication reports that the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) also established new rules to combat electoral disinformation and asked companies such as Google and Meta to present plans to combat misleading videos and publications produced with artificial intelligence.

In parallel, Brazilian authorities began a campaign to reinforce confidence in the electoral system among the population, diplomats and international observers, the publication points out. The initiative includes campaigns with digital influencers and even a mascot in the shape of an electronic ballot box.

The New York Times also mentions the workshop organized in August by the TSE on the Brazilian electoral system for more than 80 diplomats. At the time, the president of the court, Kassio Nunes Marques, stated that the court had "opened the doors to the world" and was dedicated to "dismantling all arguments" against the reliability of the elections.

The fear of interference gained strength due to the performance of American President Donald Trump in elections in other Latin American countries. The New York Times points out that right-wing Washington-aligned candidates won races in the region with Trump's explicit endorsement.

The Trump administration rejects accusations that it was trying to interfere in Brazil's election. Brazilian authorities, in turn, told the New York Times that possible American aid to Flávio Bolsonaro could occur with new measures aimed at damaging Lula's image.

Last year, Trump imposed sanctions against Brazilian authorities and ordered the application of 50% tariffs to the country, among the highest in the world.

According to the American newspaper, more than a dozen Brazilian government and electoral sector officials, police officers, intelligence agents and foreign diplomats were interviewed for the report.