Globo Cancels Brazil’s Presidential Debate After Court Orders Alter Rules
Published
Globo canceled its October 1 presidential debate after receiving two court notifications that changed previously agreed rules. The broadcaster said Electoral Court minister Estela Aranha barred an empty lectern bearing Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s name and questions directed at the absent candidate. It said Supreme Court justice Gilmar Mendes ordered the inclusion of Renan Santos, of the Missão party, following a request from Solidariedade. Globo attributed the cancellation to legal uncertainty caused by decisions issued shortly before the program and thanked the candidates who had expected to participate.