In Brazil’s presidential election, right-wing incumbent Jair Bolsonaro is just ahead of his left-wing challenger Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva, according to early interim results. According to the results of 50.9 percent of the voting machines, Bolsonaro initially got 50.3 percent of the vote, Lula 49.7 percent. This first trend was to be expected, as Bolsonaro has many followers in those regions where counting is also faster. The expectation was that it would be an exciting race.
Police street checks on election day had sparked concern among critics, apparently designed to prevent Lula supporters from voting. About 120 million citizens were asked to vote using electronic voting machines. Like ex-President Donald Trump in the United States, Bolsonaro has also expressed unproven doubts about the reliability of the voting machines, fueling fears that he may not recognize the result. The vote was preceded by a polarizing election campaign.
Bolsonaro expects ‘victory for the good of Brazil’
Both candidates faced a runoff election, as no candidate could win more than 50 percent of the vote in the first ballot in early October.
“The expectation is a victory, for the good of Brazil,” Bolsonaro said after casting his vote in Rio de Janeiro. The ex-soldier wore a yellow T-shirt with the text ‘Brasil’ and the victory sign. “God willing, we will be victorious today. Or rather, Brazil will prevail today.’ Lula kissed his ballot as he cast his vote. He said: “This election is about choosing between democracy and barbarity, democracy or fascism.”
Governors are also elected
In addition to the president, governors were also elected on Sunday in a dozen states – for example in the most populous and economically strong state of São Paulo. In the first round, Bolsonaro’s followers had already won a number of important governorships. His Liberal Party (PL) will also be the strongest faction in Congress, ahead of Lula’s Labor Party (PT).
The presidential elections in Brazil also have consequences for the rest of the world. As a huge carbon reservoir, the Amazon plays an important role in the fight against global climate change. Given the tense energy and food markets caused by the war in Ukraine, the country’s vast natural resources make it an important trading partner.
fear of violence
It is feared that violence could break out depending on the outcome of the elections. Bolsonaro had repeatedly questioned 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 armed themselves heavily. Some supporters of the incumbent party also blatantly called for a military coup.
PL MP Carla Zambelli caused a stir on Saturday when she chased a man at gunpoint after a dispute in São Paulo. To prevent violence, the Supreme Court banned civilians from carrying weapons in the days surrounding the drain. Brazilian media quoted Zambelli as saying after leaving a police station on Sunday: “I will vote armed, including with a bulletproof vest. I will be armed and prepared.”
Country politically divided
The country is politically divided, which was also reflected in Sunday’s voter survey. “I hope Lula wins, I can’t handle Bolsonaro anymore,” Christiane Machado said after casting her vote in Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana district. “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 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, Labor 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 comments are unbearable.”
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
