The presidential election campaign begins with Lula as the great favorite

First modification: 08/16/2022 – 11:07

By RFI correspondent in Rio de Janeiro

Brazil’s presidential campaign kicks off with a clear favourite. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who governed between 2003 and 2010, will repeat according to the polls: he has a 47% intention to vote. Current President Jair Bolsonaro has so far achieved the support of 28% of the population, which ensures that there will be a second round of elections.

Bolsonaro has attacked the electronic ballot box several times without evidence. He alleges that they are not safe despite the guarantees of justice.

“He made people think against the vaccine, in addition to his machismo and prejudice against women, so I don’t vote for him, I want him far away,” says a woman in Rio de Janeiro at the RFI microphone.

Lula da Silva bears the burden of corruption, since he spent 580 days in prison, although later his sentences were annulled due to formal failures

“I am going to vote for Bolsonaro, for sure, because Brazil needs him, he is our hope and not only from Brazil. All of Latin America needs family, union and respect”, assures a voter consulted in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Inflation and the economic model are also decisive. Jair Bolsonaro opted in 2018 for the thinning of the State and respect for the tax ceiling, but now he approved the “Auxilio Brasil” wealth redistribution program that Lula da Silva has promised to maintain

“I dont know. I’m still in doubt. Politics in Brazil is very complicated”, admits an elderly woman consulted by RFI.