Ibaneis Rocha, the governor of the Federal District (DF) in Brazil, has declared that he will step away from his gubernatorial position on March 28. This move is necessary for him to comply with a legal requirement known as 'desincompatibilização eleitoral,' which mandates that candidates in public office must resign to run for election. This regulation aims to prevent any abuse of political or economic power during the electoral process, ensuring a fair competition.

Rocha's decision comes slightly ahead of the deadline set by the Superior Electoral Court (TSE), which stipulated that those in public positions must resign six months before the elections, with the cutoff date being April 4. By announcing his departure a week earlier, he expresses his intention not to mix religion with politics during the Holy Week holiday, which falls between March 29 and April 5. This reflects an effort to maintain the integrity of both the electoral process and the religious observance.

The practice of desincompatibilização eleitoral serves to create an equitable playing field, ensuring that all candidates have the same conditions to compete without the undue influence of incumbents who might leverage their positions for electoral advantage. As the elections draw closer, Rocha's decision highlights the importance of adhering to these electoral regulations and the ongoing dynamics of political candidacy in Brazil.