The Federal Police (PF) of Brazil initiated Operation Voto Livre on Wednesday, October 25, to gather evidence related to an alleged vote buying scheme that allegedly took place in the municipality of Divina Pastora during the 2024 elections. This operation follows a two-year investigation that began with a report made to the Electoral Justice in Sergipe, indicating that unlawful practices may be at play in the electoral process.

The PF executed a search and seizure warrant at the home of one of the suspects involved in these alleged corrupt activities. According to the police, evidence collected from messages on communication apps suggested that a particular candidate was involved in negotiating the purchase of votes to gain an unfair advantage in the recent mayoral election. This points to a concerning trend regarding the integrity of the electoral process in the region.

The allegations of vote buying highlight the challenges facing democratic processes in Brazil, especially in local elections where such practices can undermine public trust and the legitimacy of elected officials. As the investigation unfolds, it is expected to shed light on the extent of these corrupt practices and possibly lead to legal consequences for those involved, marking a significant effort by authorities to maintain electoral integrity in the country.