Between 2019 and 2021, 18 out of 50 rectors appointed to federal universities were not the top choice of the academic community. This scenario is set to change as President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has enacted Law 15.367/2026, which eliminates the shortlist and mandates the appointment of the candidate with the most votes in the internal consultation. The new legislation has already been published in the Official Gazette.
During the signing ceremony, Education Minister Camilo Santana emphasized the importance of this moment as a historic milestone for universities. He stated that the change ensures that never again will an elected rector be prevented from taking office in the country. The measure addresses a long-standing demand from education-related entities, such as the National Association of Leaders of Federal Higher Education Institutions (Andifes) and the National Union of Students (UNE), who considered the previous system unconstitutional.
The shortlist system, in place since 1968, allowed the president to choose any of the three names suggested by the universities, even if they were not the most voted. Andifes noted that between 2019 and 2021, 18 of the 50 rectors appointed by former President Jair Bolsonaro had not won the internal consultations, causing tensions and protests within institutions.
With the new legislation, the election process will be direct, with candidates running for rector and vice-rector. Faculty members, technical-administrative staff, and actively enrolled students will be eligible to vote. The process will be regulated by a specific committee, which will also determine the weight of votes from each segment of the academic community.
Another significant change is the end of the rule that gave 70% weight to faculty votes in rector selections. Now, according to each university’s regulations, representatives from civil society organizations may also participate in the voting process. The elected rectors and vice-rectors will be appointed by the president for a four-year term, with the possibility of reappointment.
To run for the position of rector, a faculty member must have a permanent affiliation with the university and meet certain qualification or hierarchy criteria, such as holding a doctoral degree or being a full professor. This change aims to ensure that candidates have the necessary experience and management capacity to lead the institutions.
The impact of this new legislation is significant, as it strengthens university autonomy and democratizes the process of selecting rectors, aligning with the historical demands of the academic community. Lula’s decision reflects a commitment to education and participatory management, promoting a more democratic and transparent environment in federal universities.
With information from jornalpp.com.br.
Original published at O Cafezinho.