The Rio de Janeiro State Government reversed its position and requested the deployment of federal troops to reinforce security during the October elections, approximately two weeks after informing electoral authorities that state security forces were sufficient to guarantee the voting process. The new request was submitted by Acting Governor Ricardo Couto to the Regional Electoral Court of Rio de Janeiro (TRE-RJ) in late June. In the document, the government states that the participation of federal forces, operating in coordination with state agencies, is of “utmost importance,” particularly to ensure the security of voters, polling stations, and electronic voting machines throughout the entire electoral process, from transportation to final storage.
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Change of Stance
The request represents a reversal of the state government’s previous position. In its initial communication, following consultations with the Military Police Secretariat and the Civil House, the Executive Branch stated that state security forces had sufficient operational capacity to carry out election-related duties and concluded that there was no need to request federal reinforcements. In the new document, however, the government explains that its position changed after a meeting with the TRE-RJ. According to the official letter, although the state retains the operational capacity to fulfill its responsibilities, the support of federal forces is considered an important additional measure to strengthen security and help ensure the regularity, integrity, and orderly conduct of the electoral process.
The Advance of Organized Crime
Between the initial communication and the change in position, investigations conducted by the Public Prosecutor’s Office pointed to the growing infiltration of organized crime into Rio de Janeiro’s political institutions. In mid-June, an operation targeted State Deputy Val Ceasa, who is under investigation for allegedly intervening with the Military Police in an attempt to prevent the demolition of a luxury property linked to drug trafficker Álvaro Malaquias, known as Peixão. In its court filings, the Public Prosecutor’s Office stated that the Pure Third Command (TCP) faction had infiltrated the Rio de Janeiro State Legislative Assembly, a scenario similar to that previously identified in the case involving former state deputy TH Joias.
Frequent Occurrence
The deployment of federal troops to guarantee election security has become a recurring measure in Rio de Janeiro over recent decades due to the influence of criminal factions and militias across different regions of the state. Beyond the October elections, Rio de Janeiro may also face another electoral process later this year. In August, the Supreme Federal Court (STF) is expected to resume the trial that will determine how the vacancy in the state government should be filled. The justices will decide whether the new governor should be chosen through a direct election by voters or an indirect election conducted by the State Legislative Assembly.
Analysis:
The Rio de Janeiro government’s decision to request federal troops after initially stating they were unnecessary reflects the dynamic nature of the state’s security environment rather than necessarily indicating a deterioration in the operational capacity of local forces. Electoral security in Rio has long required continuous reassessment due to the presence of organized criminal groups capable of exerting territorial influence and intimidating both public officials and local communities. In this context, deploying federal forces serves not only to expand operational capacity but also to reinforce institutional confidence in the integrity of the electoral process.
The timing of the policy reversal is particularly significant given the succession of investigations pointing to increasing interaction between organized crime and political actors. Allegations involving elected officials and criminal organizations reinforce longstanding concerns that these groups seek influence beyond traditional illicit markets, extending their reach into political institutions and electoral dynamics.
