OHMYGOSSIP – Brazil’s Senate was thrown into disarray on May 9 following a surprise appeal from acting Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies – Waldir Maranhao to halt the impeachment process, which was later rejected.

According to reports, Maranhao called for a fresh vote in the Lower House over the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff and claimed that the previous votes were rendered invalid due to procedural failings.

It was added that the appeal was deemed illegal by Senate Speaker Renan Calheiros, and the disaccord between the two top members led the Senate into chaos.

Reports state that in defense of his decision, Maranhao said to reporters in a rather hasty press conference that, “We have the duty to save democracy through debate. We are not and will not be playing with democracy.”

Eventually, the Brazilian Senate reportedly decided to continue with the voting on the impeachment, scheduled to take place on May 11.

This was also confirmed by the president of the Senate impeachment commission.

Further, Renan Calheiros reportedly said that, “It is not up to the president of the Senate to say whether is it [the decision] or is not fair, but up to the senate plenary, all the senators together. That was the decision taken by the Supreme Court.”

Reports add that if the Senate finds majority of votes are in favour of the impeachment on May 11, Dilma Rousseff would be suspended from office.

Experts opine that the impeachment trial may span over six months.

Featured image: Waldir Maranhao (AFP)