After an extremely tough election campaign, Brazil elected a new president on Sunday. In the runoff, right-wing incumbent Jair Bolsonaro and left-wing ex-president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva competed against each other. A total of 156 million people were called to vote in the largest country in Latin America. Lula had won the first round on October 2nd. The 77-year-old was already president from 2003 to 2010. However, incumbent Bolsonaro (67) performed significantly better than the polls had expected. Therefore, the runoff was considered open.
“God bless you. And don’t get hurt!”
“The expectation is a victory, for the good of Brazil,” Bolsonaro said after casting his vote in Rio de Janeiro. He wore a yellow T-shirt that said “Brasil” and showed the victory sign. “God willing, we shall be victorious today. Or rather, Brazil will be victorious today.” Lula kissed his ballot as he voted. He said: “This election is about choosing between democracy and barbarism, democracy or fascism.”
The result of who will be the head of state for the next four years was expected on Monday night. In addition, governors were also elected in a dozen states on Sunday – for example in the most populous and economically strong state of São Paulo. In the first round, Bolsonaro’s followers had already captured a number of important governorships. His Liberal Party (PL) will also be the strongest faction in Congress, ahead of Lula’s Labor Party (PT).
election of global importance
The presidential election in Brazil also has implications for the rest of the world. As a huge carbon reservoir, the Amazon region plays an important role in the fight against global climate change. In view of the tense situation on the energy and food markets due to the Ukraine war, the country with its enormous natural resources is an important trading partner.
It is feared that violence could break out depending on the outcome of the election. Bolsonaro had repeatedly cast doubt on the electoral system and indicated that he might not recognize the result. Since the relaxation of gun laws during his tenure, many of his supporters have heavily armed themselves. Some supporters of the incumbent also blatantly called for a military coup.
“You want me to die soon”
The country is politically divided, which was also reflected in the survey of voters on Sunday. “I hope Lula wins, I can’t take Bolsonaro anymore,” said Christiane Machado after casting her vote in the Copacabana neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. «The legacy of the PT is double-edged. There was social progress, but also corruption scandals. However, you cannot ignore the almost 700,000 corona deaths – including my parents. If Bolsonaro had bought vaccines in time, they might still be alive.”
On the other hand, Renata Proença voted for the incumbent president to prevent Lula’s return to power. “I’ve never voted for the left, PT or Lula in my life,” she said. “What I like about Bolsonaro is that I know what to expect from him – even if his statements are unbearable.” (SDA)
TV duel: “Liar”, “Bandit” – Lula and Bolsonaro deliver a last “anti-debate”