Right-winger takes lead in Brazil’s presidential election
SAO PAULO— A far-right former army captain who expresses nostalgia for Brazil’s military dictatorship took a strong lead in its presidential election Sunday, rallying voters to his promises to rid Latin America’s largest nation of rampant corruption, crime and moral rot.
With 92.5 per cent of returns in, congressman Jair Bolsonaro was leading polls with 47 per cent of the votes.
If he manages more than 50 per cent, he will win the presidency outright.
If he doesn’t, he heads to a runoff with the second-place candidate.
He is trailed by Fernando Haddad, the leftist stand-in for jailed ex-president Luiz Inacio da Silva, who was barred from running. Haddad has 28 per cent of the vote.
Polls predicted Bolsonaro would win the first round of voting but face a runoff.
Bolsonaro, however, has far outperformed expectations, blazing past competitors with more financing, institutional backing of parties and free air time on television.
Ultimately, Bolsonaro’s strong showing reflects a yearning for the past as much as a sign of the future.
The candidate from the tiny Social and Liberal Party made savvy use of Twitter and Facebook to spread his message that only he could end the corruption, crime and economic malaise that has seized Brazil in recent years — and bring back the good ol’ days and traditional values.
“I voted against thievery and corruption,” said Mariana Prado, 54, a human resources expert.
“I know that everyone promises to end these two things, but I feel Bolsonaro is the only one who can help end my anxieties.”