Former Brazilian ministers Gilson Machado and Marcelo Queiroga, who served under President Jair Bolsonaro, have stirred controversy by releasing a video on social media encouraging citizens to vote for Flávio Bolsonaro in the upcoming elections. The video features both Machado and Queiroga making appeals to voters in the northeastern region of Brazil, with Machado stating the need to work for Flávio's election and Queiroga directly addressing supporters of Jair Bolsonaro. This video has raised eyebrows as it was released before the official campaign period, igniting debates around the legality of their actions.

According to Brazilian electoral law, the official campaign period begins on August 15, making any call for votes before that date potentially unlawful. Experts consulted by Folha have viewpoints indicating that this video could be classified as early electioneering, subjecting those involved to fines that range between R$ 5,000 and R$ 25,000, depending on the nature of the infraction. Despite these assertions, Queiroga has insisted that their statements do not amount to election campaigning, but rather fall under a general expression of political opinion.

The implications of this situation could be significant not just for the individuals involved but also for Flávio Bolsonaro's candidacy and the political climate as the elections approach. With legal challenges possible, this incident showcases the tightening scrutiny surrounding electoral conduct in Brazil, reflecting broader tensions within the country's political landscape as various factions jockey for power.