Alcides Bernal

Alcides Bernal was born in Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul. He holds a law degree from the Universidade Católica Dom Bosco (UCDB). Prior to entering politics, Bernal gained prominence as a radio broadcaster in the state, working for Rede MS, where he hosted the programs "Refazenda" and "Cruzando Fronteiras."^[1]

Bernal began his political career as a city councilor in Campo Grande, serving two terms. In 2010, he was elected as a state deputy for Mato Grosso do Sul, representing the region in the state legislature.

In 2012, Bernal launched his campaign for mayor of Campo Grande, running as a member of the Progressive Party (PP). He won the election in the second round with 62.55% of the vote, defeating Edson Giroto of the PMDB, and took office on January 1, 2013. His victory was seen as a major upset, as Campo Grande had been governed by the PMDB for over two decades.^[2]

Bernal's time in office was tumultuous. In March 2014, he was impeached by the Campo Grande city council over allegations of administrative misconduct. The council cited nine instances of alleged political and administrative wrongdoing. His vice mayor, Gilmar Olarte, assumed the office following Bernal's impeachment.^[3]

However, Bernal fought back in court and, in August 2015, was reinstated as mayor by a judicial ruling from the Mato Grosso do Sul Court of Justice. His return to office was seen as a dramatic turn in the city's political landscape. He completed the remainder of his term but did not secure reelection in 2016.

Bernal sought reelection in the 2016 mayoral race but failed to advance to the second round, finishing just outside the cutoff by a narrow margin of 2,630 votes. He subsequently endorsed Marquinhos Trad, who went on to win the election.^[4]