The Tribunal Regional Eleitoral de São Paulo (TRE-SP) unanimously ruled that an electoral action against Salmourão councilor Wesley Barbosa was without merit. This decision was made during a plenary session on Tuesday, October 24, and the councilor was alleged to have engaged in vote buying by promising to repair vehicles in exchange for votes. The case was initiated by the Public Ministry Electoral in December 2024, seeking to investigate these claims.

Despite the ruling, the TRE-SP has indicated that the decision can still be challenged in a higher court, specifically the Tribunal Superior Eleitoral (TSE). The details of the original investigation have not been disclosed, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the allegations against Barbosa. The lack of comments from both the municipal chamber and Barbosa himself further complicates the narrative and leaves the community seeking more information on the outcome.

As the implications of this decision unfold, it highlights the ongoing discussions regarding electoral integrity and the measures taken to combat vote buying in Brazil. The case stands as a reminder of the critical role of electoral oversight bodies like the TRE-SP, tasked with maintaining the democratic process and ensuring fair elections despite controversies that may arise at the local level.