Progressive voters and supporters of incumbent president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva left reeling after far-right surge
Flávio Bolsonaro is in pole position to win Brazil’s presidential election, after a far-right tsunami propelled him to a shock first-round victory over the incumbent, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, leaving progressive voters reeling.
The 45-year-old rightwing candidate received 56.1m votes to Lula’s 53.8m – 47.03% to 45.16% – meaning the 80-year-old leftwinger has a mountain to climb if he is to bounce back in the second round on 25 October. Never, since the return of democracy to Brazil in 1985, has the first-round runner-up managed to turn the game around and win the second ballot.
“Miracles are possible in politics. But I don’t see that happening,” the political scientist Miguel Lago said of Lula’s chances of snapping back. “I don’t see Flávio losing this election now.”
Almost certainly. But that doesn’t mean people would keep in power the candidate that hasn’t done (assuming) enough for them. So wherever we want to prevent far right getting in power, we better do what needs doing for people and fast.
You’re not wrong. But also, this is literally the son of the previous leader who was jailed for his actions as president (iirc). It’s almost as dumb as us here in the US re-electing the guy who’s COVID response was likely responsible for a half-million unnecessary deaths.
Ah I get it, the pendulum swinging. Thats it. Seems like we shouldn’t do that as a species but oh well 💀