How does Brazil approach its elections without Lula da Silva?
An extreme right-wing candidate accused of racism, homophobia, and sexism, would be the most benefited with the disqualification of Lula
Brazil is going through one of the most intense political crises in its recent history. After five months of summoning the people to the polls, the country joins in a scenario where the favorite presidential candidate is in prison for corruption and a range of leaders of low popularity and prestige try to snatch a vote from the scandal.
Leer en español: ¿Cómo avanza Brasil hacia las elecciones sin Lula da Silva?
The South American giant, where the figures of violence take more fatalities than the war in Syria and 40% of children live in poverty, will decide their political future on October 7 in elections where former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will be absent after being sentenced to 12 years in prison for corruption and money laundering.
Leja em português: Como avança o Brasil para as eleições sem Lula da Silva?
The disqualification of Lula da Silva who, according to surveys carried out by Datafolha, had 34% of the voting intention in the nation, puts an ex-military and far-right candidate from the Social Liberal Party and a woman trying for the third time reach the presidency.
Who are the candidates?
Jair Bolsonaro
The 63-year-old candidate is an ex-policeman and senator widely criticized for propitiating what many have called "hate speech" against the LGBTI community, Afro-descendants, women and indigenous people.
His political proposal has been so controversial that on April 13 the Brazilian Attorney General, Raquel Dodge, filed an accusation against Bolsonaro for feeding a racist and discriminatory speech against the aforementioned sectors. However, this is not the only case that the candidate faces before the courts. In 2014, Jair Bolsonaro was accused of having told a legislator that she was "too ugly to be raped."
According to statistics from Datafhola, before the departure of Lula, Bolsonaro would go on to lead the intention to vote with 18% granted by citizens who approve their promises of 'hard hand' to combat violence in the country. If, on the other hand, the Supreme Court of Justice manages to prosecute him before the elections – a scenario that is unlikely due to the list of pending cases – Bolsonario could face up to three years in prison and a fine of at least $ 117,000.
Marina Silva
The ecologist and ex-Environment Minister during the period of Lula da Silva makes her third attempt to reach the presidency of Brazil after the elections of 2010 and 2014. Although she is the candidate that with the departure of da Silva is the fastest growing, her percentages do not position her as a favorite and she is far below the voting intention with which she counted in previous campaigns.
The activist focuses her electoral campaign on the fight against corruption and the protection of ethical, social and sustainable commitments above political interests.
Ciro Gomes
This politician and economist with extensive experience in Brazil. He has served as mayor, governor, minister and deputy. His commitment to government is to help the country overcome misery and inequality through industrialization and economic growth. According to figures from Datafhola, Gomes has 10% of the voting intention.
Latin American Post | Krishna Jaramillo
Translated from "¿Cómo avanza Brasil hacia las elecciones sin Lula da Silva?"
