The Electoral Regional Tribunal (TRE) of Rio Grande do Norte has announced that supplementary elections will be held on May 17, 2026, in the municipalities of Itaú and Ouro Branco. This decision follows the recent cassation of the mayors and vice mayors of these cities, who were originally elected in 2024. The fraternity of the elected officials in both towns faced allegations of political and economic abuse of power, leading to the legal ruling.

In Itaú, the mayor Francisco André Régis Júnior and vice Paulo Fernandes Maia, both re-elected in 2024, had their official titles revoked after judicial proceedings concluded that they engaged in disallowed conduct and violated electoral laws. Specific irregularities associated with municipal events, including those organized for Mother’s Day 2024, were cited as part of the justification for the election cancellation. This ruling underscores the serious implications surrounding electoral integrity in Brazil, especially in regions where governance issues arise.

The upcoming elections raise significant questions about the future leadership in these municipalities and reflect a larger trend in Brazilian politics where election mandates can be overturned by judicial authorities. The TRE's role in managing electoral disputes and ensuring fair political practices will be closely scrutinized in the lead-up to May’s elections, as the local populace seeks to restore stable governance in the wake of this situation.