Minister Kassio Nunes Marques took office as president of the Tribunal Superior Eleitoral (TSE) on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 [1].

This leadership transition occurs as Brazil prepares for the October 2026 elections. The appointment is significant because Nunes Marques and Vice-President André Mendonça were both appointed to the judiciary by former president Jair Bolsonaro [1], [3].

The ceremony took place in the plenary chamber of the TSE in Brasília [2], [4]. During his assumption of office, Nunes Marques said he emphasized the defense of the electronic voting system [3], [4]. This stance is notable as it contrasts with some positions held by supporters of former president Bolsonaro regarding the reliability of electronic urns [3].

Nunes Marques said he intends to implement a "pente-fino" — a rigorous fine-tooth comb review — of the voting machines to ensure integrity [2], [5]. The new president also said that artificial intelligence will be a central focus of his management period [2].

Currently, two ministers appointed by Jair Bolsonaro are heading the TSE [3]. The court is responsible for organizing and overseeing the electoral process in Brazil, ensuring that the legal requirements for candidates, and the voting process are met across the country [4].

The transition to this new leadership comes at a time of heightened scrutiny regarding electoral transparency. By focusing on the technical security of the urns and the integration of new technology, the court aims to maintain stability during the upcoming national vote [2], [5].

“Nunes Marques emphasized the defense of the electronic voting system.”

The installation of Nunes Marques and André Mendonça at the helm of the TSE places two Bolsonaro appointees in charge of the 2026 electoral cycle. However, Nunes Marques' explicit defense of electronic voting suggests a commitment to institutional norms over partisan skepticism, potentially signaling a stabilizing influence on the electoral process ahead of the October vote.