Brazil’s presidential race: an ‘anti-Lula’, ‘anti-Bolsonaro’ referendum

In recent weeks, center-right presidential hopeful Geraldo Alckmin began asking voters to become more pragmatic when choosing their candidate. He would be, in his opinion, the best option for those who would hate to see four years of the Workers’ Party in government, but who think far-right Jair Bolsonaro is too radical and unprepared. In a way, voters listened to his advice – but not in the way Mr. Alckmin was hoping.

The latest Ibope poll shows that the electorate is increasingly choosing candidates they believe would have the best chance of beating the politicians the most. Those who reject former president Lula and his Workers’ Party – which ruled Brazil from 2003 to 2016 – have dived head first in the extreme-right camp. For these voters, anything goes if it means keeping the center-left party out of power.