What Happens Now That Lula’s Conviction Has Been Upheld?

Former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s hopes of a return to power were dealt a severe blow after a three-judge appeals court unanimously upheld his conviction for corruption on Jan. 24. Brazilian assets soared following the decision as investors now see little chance of the left-wing leader vying for the presidency. However, his lawyers are challenging the verdict and Lula himself accepted the Workers’ Party’s nomination as its presidential candidate the day after the court ruling.

His acceptance of the Workers’ Party nomination is purely symbolic at this point, as candidates do not formally register until Aug. 15. At that stage, the Superior Electoral Court would likely rule his candidacy ineligible under the Clean Record law, and his party would have to find another candidate by Sept. 17. But an injunction by the Superior Court of Justice or the Supreme Court before that deadline could allow Lula to run.