p>RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Jair Bolsonaro considerably outperformed expectations in Brazil’s presidential election, proving that the far-right wave he rode to the presidency remains a force and providing the world with yet another example of polls missing the mark. This is a big defeat for the democratic center that saw its voters migrate to Bolsonaro in a polarized scenario, said Arilton Freres, director of Curitiba-based Instituto Opinião. Lula starts ahead, but it won’t be easy for him.
Rafael Cortez, who oversees political risk at consultancy Tendências Consultoria, said that Bolsonaro outperformed in Brazil’s southeast region, which includes highly populous cities like Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais.
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Bolsonaro ran a campaign that highlighted polarizing issues like gun rights and moral values, and he has a reputation among his supporters for being a fierce enemy of corruption and a champion of law-and-order. He has built a devout following among some Brazilians for his conservative views on social, foreign policy and economic issues.
Da Silva is also a polarizing figure in some ways, with some people passionately supporting him and others strongly opposed because of his involvement in corruption scandals that led to his imprisonment, of which he was later cleared by appeals courts.
Hundreds of thousands of people rallied both for and against Bolsonaro Sunday, with some of his protesters carrying signs that read #NotMyPresident. Several people were arrested for incendiary comments and for damaging signs and property.
The vote was viewed as a test of the democratic strengths of Brazil, which has seen increasingly polarized politics and widespread disgust with the political class in general.
Boston University political scientist Kevin Whitaker said that the results “are a reflection of the deeply divergent views of the Brazilian public”.
AP Poll: 55% of people in the United States say that in the next few weeks would be a good time to reelected President Jair Bolsonaro, while 45% said President Luiz Inácio da Silva would be a better president by the end of the year.
Conclusion:
Overall, the Brazilian presidential election is going to be a closely contested one-off between Jair Bolsonaro and Luiz Inácio Silva. Both candidates have their own weaknesses and strengths, and it remains an open question which of those will ultimately emerge victorious.
FAQS:
Q: Were the polls accurate in predicting the outcome?
A: No, the polls did not get it right. Bolsonaro defied expectations and outperformed in the election.
Q: Where did Bolsonaro outperform particularly?
A: He outperformed strongly in the southeast region, including well-populated cities like Sao Paulo.
Q: What were some of Bolsonaro’s key campaign themes?
A: Highlighting polarizing issues like gun rights, moral values, and law-and-order, as well as his reputation for being corrupt-free and a champion of national renewal.
A1: What were some of Da Silva’s key campaign themes?
A1: Da Silva emphasized universal healthcare, education, and other leftist policies, as well as his commitment to democratization and social justice.
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