Link to article: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/brazils-bolsonaro-releases-ministers-move-bolster-re-election-bid-2022-03-31/
A highly polarizing election is set to take place in Brazil in October. Sergio Moro, a former judge, dropped his bid on Thursday to join the right wing Union Brazil, a liberal-conservative political party. The two candidates now are far-right President Jair Bolsonaro and leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Moro had lost support of the country after controversial court decisions and a falling out with President Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro, too, has faced public backlash and is fighting hard for reelection after his handling of COVID-19. The same day that Moro dropped his bid, Bolsonaro relieved 10 ministers from duty to give them the opportunity to run in elections for Congressional positions to possibly help his campaign. He hopes it will create regional support after his campaign is also suffering due to inflation. Now, the election largely consists of the two polar candidates, however, Sao Paulo Governor Joao Doria is also running to ‘offer and alternative to Lula and Bolsonaro’ but still trails behind in the polling.
Brazil’s October 2022 election is largely based on the economic situation. Many citizens question Bolsonaro’s decisions and policies and they fear a second term. He has a unique governing style and has outwardly stated his authoritarian beliefs and values. His administration has become known for the violations of human rights. Citizens fear violence in the ongoing campaign as it has become evidently divisive and extreme. With the war in Ukraine, inflation, the COVID-19 pandemic, and his recent push for bills and legislation that violates Indigenous people and the environment, Bolsonaro is on his way to losing the election. He has made many policies and pieces of legislation that harm the citizens and the environment, losing hope of public support for the President.
The Brazilian government is influenced by a multitude of political parties causing division but also fluidity in politics in the country. Their government is similar to the United States with a President as Chief of State and the Head of Government, they run on a constitution, and are a Federal Republic. However, their political environment is uncertain and weaknesses in economics and human rights cause unrest and distrust in the government by the citizens. Despite being a fully democratic government, Bolsonaro is showing a full use of executive power in passing tons of legislation in his expected last few months in office.