Elderly citizens could swing Brazil’s election

Brazil is no longer a country of young people. Latin America’s largest economy is undergoing a profound and rapid demographic transition. In January, The Brazilian Report discussed the economic challenges to Brazil presented by this change – especially when considering the pension system deficit. Now, we’re taking a look at the electoral repercussions.

Elderly citizens (defined as 60 years or above) already account for 18.6 percent of the voting poll. That represents 27.3 million votes, and could swing a race as thigh as this year’s. Meanwhile, youths between 16 and 24 now represent...