The Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro (Alerj) has approved rules governing the indirect election for a caretaker governor, with the move prompted by the expected resignation of current governor Cláudio Castro to pursue a senatorial seat in April. The primary point of contention during the process was related to the requirement for future candidates to meet a disconnection period, which usually mandates that individuals must be out of executive positions for at least six months before participating in elections. However, the new legislation seeks to shorten this period to just one month for the upcoming indirect election.

This modification in the electoral rules is anticipated to impact key players within the ruling party, the PL (Liberal Party), which has a majority in the Assembly. Castro has expressed his intention to nominate Nicola Miccione, the state’s Chief Civil Secretary, as his preferred candidate for the caretaker governance. Meanwhile, another faction within the PL, led by Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, is pushing for Douglas Ruas, the Secretary of State for Cities, to be chosen instead. The debate illustrates the ongoing power struggles within the PL as potential candidates jockey for position in anticipation of Castro's departure.

The context of this political maneuvering comes at a critical time, as the failure to establish a proper succession could lead to judicial challenges or destabilization within the state government. The shortening of the disconnection period raises questions about the legitimacy and public perception of the governor's selection process, with implications for future elections and governance in Rio de Janeiro.