A total of 93 electoral complaints were recorded by public prosecution offices between 21 August and 15 September 2026, with 92% already subject to a decision after review, according to the Presidency of the Public Prosecution. This marks a sharp drop from the 229 complaints filed during the 2021 legislative elections, a decline of more than 300%.

The 2026 elections saw new punitive provisions introduced via Law 53.25 (amending Organic Law 27.11 on the House of Representatives) and Law 55.25 (amending Law 57.11 on electoral lists, referendums and use of public audiovisual means during campaigns). These amendments criminalised a range of acts previously not covered by electoral laws but deemed harmful to the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.

Among the 54 criminal acts cited are the publication, transmission or distribution of false information, allegations or forged documents, including via social media, open broadcast networks, AI tools or other online platforms, with the aim of harming the privacy or reputation of voters or candidates. Also covered are deepfake-style audio/video edits made without consent to defame or invade privacy.

Seven complaints relate to attempts to influence voters through gifts, donations, promises or administrative grants to local authorities or groups of citizens. Three cases concern campaigning inside places of worship, schools or vocational training centres, or public administrations, while another involves displaying electoral ads outside authorised areas and using public or corporate resources in a candidate’s campaign.

Two further complaints concern paid political ads on foreign websites, alongside others on election-day publications, incitement to abstain, and recruiting people to disrupt public order. Of the 93 complaints, 39 relate to acts not of a criminal nature.

Between 31 August and 16 September 2026, 22 complaints were recorded for offences committed via social media, open broadcast systems and computer networks. The Public Prosecution says this justifies the legislator’s move, through the recent amendments, to curb harmful digital practices that could affect the fairness of the electoral process.