The Brazilian Pension Funds Authority (PREVIC), through its Integrity Program, published guidance reminding public agents of the conduct restrictions that apply during Brazil’s 2026 election period to protect integrity and impartiality in public administration and prevent public resources from being used to distort the electoral contest. The note defines “public agent” broadly for electoral purposes, covering leadership and staff (permanent or appointed), as well as interns and outsourced service providers, including those without pay or with only a temporary link to the public administration. It also stresses that breaches of electoral-law prohibitions are subject to objective liability, meaning the mere practice of a prohibited act can lead to sanctions regardless of intent or proof of electoral impact. Key prohibitions highlighted include using public movable or immovable assets for the benefit of candidates or parties, diverting public agents to campaign activities, authorising institutional advertising during the electoral blackout except in cases of serious and urgent public necessity recognised by the Electoral Justice, and making statements or using names, symbols, or images that characterise personal promotion. PREVIC flagged that the blackout period begins on 4 July, three months before the first round on 4 October, with a second round scheduled for 25 October, and that violations can lead to penalties such as fines, loss of candidate registration where applicable, and administrative improbity proceedings. For authorities covered by the Code of Conduct of the High Federal Administration, additional expectations include keeping political participation outside working hours without use of public resources, not using official travel for political events, avoiding promises dependent on the public office, refraining from public disputes with other federal authorities during the electoral process, and maintaining a public, updated agenda, with leave or abstention required where conflicts of interest arise.
Brazilian Pension Funds Authority (PREVIC) 2026-04-16
Brazilian Pension Funds Authority reiterates electoral blackout restrictions on public agents ahead of the October 2026 vote
The Brazilian Pension Funds Authority (PREVIC) has issued Integrity Program guidance reminding public agents of conduct restrictions during Brazil’s 2026 election period to safeguard integrity, impartiality and prevent misuse of public resources. The note clarifies the broad definition of “public agent,” emphasises objective liability for breaches, and highlights prohibitions on using public assets or staff for campaigns, institutional advertising during the blackout period, and personal promotion. PREVIC also recalls that violations may trigger fines, loss of candidate registration, administrative improbity proceedings, and additional expectations for authorities subject to the Code of Conduct of the High Federal Administration.