Brazil Senate Votes to End Reelection

Brazil's Senate Approves Bill to End Reelection for Executive Branch Positions BRASILIA, Brazil—In a significant move, the Constitution and Justice Committee of the Brazilian Senate approved the text of a proposed constitutional amendment (PEC) aimed at ending the reelection of presidents, governors, and mayors. The vote, held symbolically on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, marks a major step toward altering the country's electoral landscape. The amendment will be implemented in phases. The changes will not affect the 2026 elections. However, starting in 2028, mayors and council members will serve six-year terms, eliminating reelection for those positions. In 2030, the amendment will prevent the reelection of presidents and governors who were elected in 2026. Finally, by 2034, all elections will be unified, with all positions being contested every five years. "These changes pave the way for a radical shift in how Brazilians vote," stated a spokesperson for the Senate. The amendment now proceeds to the full Senate for a vote, requiring 49 votes to pass. If approved, it will then move to the Chamber of Deputies for further consideration. This proposed change has been a subject of debate for years, with former President Fernando Henrique Cardoso calling the current system an error in 2020. The amendment's approval marks a potential turning point in Brazilian politics.