On the eve of Brazil's election runoff, tens of thousands of supporters of leftwing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva gathered on Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beach. The rally aimed to boost Lula's chances against his far-right opponent, Flávio Bolsonaro, in a contest that has captivated the nation.
Sunday's election will see nearly 159 million Brazilians head to the polls, with Lula and Bolsonaro neck-and-neck after the first round on October 4, where Bolsonaro secured 47% of the vote to Lula's 45%. The rally on Saturday, marked by a sea of red-clad supporters, was a final push for Lula, who is seeking a historic comeback.
Josias Silva, a 61-year-old truck driver, expressed optimism about Lula's chances, carrying a sign that read, "Lula re-elected. Tomorrow will be a new day." Silva emphasized the importance of the election, stating, "Young people know we need this victory because otherwise we will have dictatorship again – and we don’t want dictatorship. We don’t want hatred. We don’t want guns. We want a country of love."
Despite the enthusiasm, polls suggest a tight race, with Bolsonaro slightly favored. His campaign has focused on tackling violent crime, a message that resonates with many voters. However, Lula has gained momentum recently, aided by scandals surrounding Bolsonaro, including allegations of attending a controversial boat party during the 2020 coronavirus outbreak.
At the rally, activists displayed a massive banner proclaiming, "WE ARE GOING TO TURN THIS AROUND!" Marta Moraes, a 59-year-old restaurateur, joined the demonstration, emphasizing that the election transcends traditional political divides. "We’ve nothing against the right … what we’re against is Bolsonarismo, " she said, recalling the impact of Jair Bolsonaro's administration on her family during the pandemic.
Concerns persist among Brazilian democrats that if Flávio wins, his father and other allies might regain influence in government.
Among the rally participants was Cammy Marinho, a 49-year-old DJ and activist, who has been campaigning tirelessly to sway voters. "It’s non-stop work: in the bakery, in the supermarket, on the underground – whenever you feel there is an opening to talk to someone, " she said.
Many supporters belong to "Lula’s Army, " a 10 million-member WhatsApp group formed to mobilize voters. Isabella Gaze, a retired teacher, described the group's mission as a fight for democracy. "They constantly claim Lula is corrupt. But the truth is that they represent the most rotten and worst part of Brazilian politics, " she said of the Bolsonaros.
Meanwhile, Bolsonaro's supporters also rallied in cities like Belo Horizonte, a crucial electoral battleground. Thousands gathered in Praça da Liberdade, waving Brazilian flags and some American flags, reflecting Bolsonaro's alignment with the United States.
Marcos Antonio, a cosmetics entrepreneur, expressed his preference for an alliance with the US over countries like Cuba or Venezuela. "I don’t want an alliance with Cuba or Venezuela. I want to move forward, " he said.
Gun rights remain a contentious issue, with Bolsonaro's supporters advocating for relaxed gun laws. Antonio Carlos Costa Jr, a shooting club owner, criticized Lula's policies, stating, "Jair Bolsonaro simply gave citizens the right to defend themselves, and his son will do the same."
However, Lula's supporters argue that Bolsonaro's ties to paramilitary groups undermine his crime-fighting claims. Erika Cavalcante, an architect at the rally, warned, "If we vote the militias into power, we will be living in a dictatorship."
