
Crime groups and militias are financing candidates, affecting election security
Organized crime groups like PCC, Comando Vermelho, and militias are increasingly financing candidates, impacting election security and voter choice. In Rio de Janeiro, 53 polling stations were relocated in 2024 to protect voters from threats and coercion, with more planned for 2026. Cases in Rio and Santa Catarina reveal vote-buying schemes involving cash and drugs, linked to candidates and state agents.

