Voting in Brazil's general election has ended, and voters, after standing in long lines, participated in the first round of the tight presidential race. This election is particularly significant for Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the current 80-year-old leftist president of Brazil, and his 45-year-old right-wing opponent Flavio Bolsonaro.
A Choice Between Democracy and Barbarism
Lula da Silva, after casting his vote, warned that the choice facing the people is one between "democracy and barbarism." On the other hand, Flavio Bolsonaro has also emphasized his determination to "free the people of Brazil."
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As of the publication of this news, more than 90% of the votes had been counted, and neither candidate had managed to secure more than 50% of the votes. According to the counted results, Bolsonaro is leading with 48.05% of the votes, while Lula, the current president, is in second place with 43.97%. If neither candidate succeeds in obtaining more than 50% of the votes, the election will go to a second round scheduled for October 25.
Tense Election History
This election is influenced by the tense aftermath of the previous election. Four years ago, Lula da Silva narrowly defeated Jair Bolsonaro, Flavio Bolsonaro's father. The storming of Brazil's Congress by thousands of Jair Bolsonaro's supporters and his conviction for plotting a coup are among the events that have impacted the current election atmosphere.
In this election, about 160 million eligible voters participated to elect members of Congress and governors and local government officials. Jair Bolsonaro, who was president of Brazil from 2019 to 2023, is not a candidate in this election, but his shadow looms over it. He has been sentenced to 27 years in prison and is under house arrest due to ongoing health issues.
Ideological Struggle and the Environment
Lula da Silva, who has previously served as president three times, has been praised for his social programs such as "Bolsa Família." However, he also faces serious criticism. Some environmental activists have criticized his recent actions, particularly his support for exploratory oil drilling in waters near the Amazon. Lula believes that oil revenues are vital for financing Brazil's transition to clean energy, and his government also points to a reduction in deforestation in the Amazon.
Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of Jair Bolsonaro, has been seeking support from evangelical Christians and farmers as a senator since 2019. He has promised that if elected, he will reduce unnecessary regulations and "remove the shadow of government from farmers." He has also emphasized support for stricter measures against crime.
This election is not only a competition for power but also a basis for deeper ideological struggles in Brazil. While Lula and his supporters emphasize the preservation of democracy and human rights, Bolsonaro and his supporters stress individual freedoms and social security. This struggle has placed Brazil on a tense and challenging path.
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