Reporting accounts after an election campaign is one of the biggest challenges faced by candidates. Much more than a bureaucratic formality, this stage is decisive for the political future of those who wish to pursue public life. Lawyer, RenovaBR student and former candidate Mônica Rosemberg shared her experience about how a financial error of just R$2,000 almost jeopardized her political career. “It was a huge shock. If I hadn’t gone after receipts to justify the amount, I could have been ineligible,” she revealed.
This is just one example of how failure to pay attention to electoral rules can harm candidates. During a RenovaBR event, specialized lawyers discussed the main challenges of accountability and provided guidance on how to deal with the process. Speakers included Mônica Rosenberg, an electoral lawyer, and Ricardo Vita Porto, an expert in electoral law, who highlighted the importance of a qualified team to ensure strict compliance with legal requirements.
Ricardo Vita Porto highlighted the complexity of the Brazilian electoral system, pointing out that the country has some of the strictest legislation in the world regarding electoral propaganda. “We have some of the most restrictive legislation regarding electoral propaganda. There is no other place in the world with so many limitations,” he said. According to him, this rigidity directly affects the conduct of campaigns, which today increasingly depend on social media to reach voters.
One of the problems faced by candidates, as highlighted by Mônica Rosenberg, is the receipt of foreign donations, which is prohibited by law. Married to a Frenchman, Mônica reported the difficulties she faced when trying to justify the origin of donations made by foreign friends. “It was a hassle to prove that the money was legal and within the electoral rules. I had to justify the origin of the money and prove that my husband, although French, had a CPF and income in Brazil,” she reported.
It is clear that accountability requires planning, organization and a specialized team. Even small-scale campaigns, such as those for city councilors in smaller cities, must follow the same strict rules as presidential campaigns.
Ricardo Vita Porto also warned that a lack of care in reporting can have serious consequences, such as the loss of political rights and difficulties in advancing in a public career. “Report your accounts rigorously and anticipate potential problems. Reporting is not just a bureaucratic step, it is a matter of political survival,” he emphasized.
The message to future candidates is clear: accountability must be treated seriously and carefully, from the beginning of the campaign, to avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure that the political path remains open.
Next meetings
RenovaBR's October events promise to bring valuable learnings from speakers who have already transformed challenges into great opportunities. Between October 21st and 25th, at 7:30 pm (Brasília time), the meeting “Turning Frustrations into Success”will have as guests Patrícia Bracco, project manager, and Patrícia Medrado, former tennis player, who will share their stories of overcoming, showing how they transformed adversity into springboards for success.
Then, between October 28th and 31st, at 7:30 pm (Brasília time), the “Talk – I lost the election, what now?”will offer a dynamic conversation with experts, who will address the first steps after an electoral campaign, exploring new opportunities in the public sector and fostering networking and the exchange of experiences among participants. These events are a unique opportunity for learning and inspiration, guided by those who have already faced and overcome great challenges.
