Brazilian students protest against Flavio Bolsonaro ahead of presidential run-off
Hundreds of university and secondary school students marched through central Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday to oppose presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro and express support for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ahead of Brazil's run-off election.
Students from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and other institutions took to the streets, calling for the protection of public education and minority rights.
“Brazilian youth is here today because we are not going to accept the rise of the far right,” demonstrator Maia said, accusing Bolsonaro's political movement of threatening the rights of Black people, women and LGBT+ communities.
Other protesters expressed confidence in Lula's chances, while raising concerns about US influence in Latin American politics. Demonstrator Gustavo said Washington's policies had a significant impact on the region.
Students also called for greater voter participation, with demonstrator Alexandre urging those who abstained in the first round to vote in the run-off.
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The protest followed Sunday's election, in which Bolsonaro secured 47.03 per cent of valid votes against Lula's 45.16 per cent. Neither candidate won an outright majority, sending the presidential race to a second round.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
