In one of the most iconic phrases in Brazilian political history, journalist and politician Carlos Lacerda said of former President Getulio Vargas: “He must not run for president. If he does, he must not win. If he does, he must not take office. If he does, he must not govern.” Vargas, who had run the country between 1930 and 1945, won the election in question in 1950, but led an embattled government and committed suicide in the presidential palace before the end of his term.
Over seven decades later, left-wing parties in Brazil fear that the same logic might...
