Brazilian voters in Lisbon warn of growing political division
Brazilian voters in Lisbon have warned that “hatred and resentment” are deepening political divisions after a tight first round sent the presidential election to a run-off.
Footage from Monday showed Brazilians voting at the embassy before supporters gathered outside with flags, chants and prayers.
“I believe that division is what is harming Brazilian politics,” voter Felipe Pilissari said. “There is a prevailing sense of hatred and resentment between both sides. We need to find a balance.”
The comments followed a narrow first-round lead for Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, who secured 47.03 per cent of valid votes against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s 45.16 per cent. Neither won more than half, triggering an October 25 run-off.
While conservative voter Santos Neto welcomed the result, others expressed concern about the country’s political direction. Daiane Alves said political disagreements were fuelling hatred, while Heitor Albuquerque raised concerns about attacks on institutions.
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Bolsonaro also gained ground in municipalities that backed Lula in 2022, while his Liberal Party secured 121 of the 513 seats in the Chamber of Deputies. The run-off comes four years after Lula narrowly defeated Bolsonaro’s father, Jair Bolsonaro, in the 2022 presidential election.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
