To run or not, that’s the question

– Brazil’s top electoral court has been handed a hot potato as it must decide whether the country’s most popular politician can run in upcoming elections despite being jailed for corruption.

The court is expected to declare former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva ineligible in the coming weeks, ahead of the October 7 vote, but that may not stop his Workers Party winning anyway.

Justice Rosa Weber, who heads the court, has said it will quickly make a decision that political analysts expect will come before campaign advertising on TV and radio begins on August 31.

Few in Brazil doubt Lula will be barred under a “Clean Slate” law that bans politicians from seeking office if they have been convicted of a crime and it has been upheld on appeal. – Reuters

Brasilia