In Brazil, former president Luis Inacio da Silva or Lula has won over Bolsonaro with 50.9 percent of the vote compared to Bolsonaro's 49.1. It will be Lula's third time in office and marks a major turning point for Brazil. Under his presidency from 2003-2010, Lula worked to improve the lives of Brazilians and lifted 25 million out of poverty with his policies. However, he had been accused of corruption just a few years ago in a large scandal where his party stole about 2-13 million dollars from the Brazilian economy in the 'lava jato scandal. Nonetheless, he has been elected and now his task will be to unite Brazil which has become very divided politically and to address critical problems. So far Bolsonaro has not openly contested the results of the election but if he does, this could further escalate tension in Brazil. Bolsonaro is the first president to fail to win re-election according to the article in Brazil, in over 25 years. With his win, Lula looks committed to re-establish his credibility and return Brazil to the good days of his presidency in the early 2000's when many Brazilians benefitted. Lula in his two previous terms brought electricity and water to places that were previously off the grid. Exports of soybeans, oranges, and sugar to China also hit record highs during that time. Lula's policies of state scholarships allowed many to afford top level schooling. Now however, Brazil is growing at a much slower rate and there is division within the country. Already there are videos of Bolsonaro supporters despairing and wishing for the army to 'save the election'. I hope that Lula manages to unify a divided country and sets a good precedent for Latin America and the world.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/brazils-jair-bolsonaro-luiz-inacio-lula-da-silva-face-off-in-tense-presidential-runoff-11667065780?mod=hp_lead_pos7
Gabriel Ham
10/30/2022
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