José Antônio Encinas Manfré, during his inauguration as the new president of the São Paulo Regional Electoral Tribunal (TRE-SP), addressed journalists about the ongoing debates regarding electronic voting machines. He acknowledged that society has a right to critique and express dissent towards these machines, as long as such discussions are conducted within the law. This is significant in Brazil's democratic context as it highlights the balance between public opinion and institutional integrity.

Manfré defended the reliability of electronic voting machines, which have been in use for over 30 years in Brazil and have never been proven to malfunction or corrupt the electoral process. His confidence reflects the tribunal's commitment to upholding electoral integrity and responding to public concerns while reaffirming that established processes protect the validity of elections. By stressing the importance of legal channels for expressing dissent, he underscored the need for a law-abiding civil discourse.

The inauguration event marks a notable transition in leadership for the TRE-SP, with Manfré taking the helm during a time when electoral processes are scrutinized more than ever. His statements may be aimed at fostering a dialogue in the democratic landscape, reassuring voters that while skepticism can exist, the electoral framework remains robust and respected. This approach may help mitigate tensions surrounding electronic voting and encourage constructive discussions around electoral reforms and public confidence in the democratic process.