Civil society runs to U.S. for help to fend off Bolsonaro coup threats

A delegation of 18 Brazilian organizations led by Washington Brazil Office, a U.S.-based think tank, will be in Washington DC between July 24 and 29 for more than 20 meetings with members of the U.S. State Department, U.S. Congress, and representatives of social organizations and unions.

The visit comes shortly after President Jair Bolsonaro openly disparaged the country’s electoral system in a meeting with foreign ambassadors — rehashing his years-old arguments against electronic voting machines (which have been repeatedly debunked by authorities). 

Mr. Bolsonaro’s move was seen by political analysts as a possible red herring as the far-right leader lays the groundwork to question the results of the October presidential election if he loses to former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. All polls indicate that Lula is likely to return for a third term as president with a landslide victory against the incumbent.

These organizations are hoping to obtain confirmation that the U.S. government will act firmly against any possible moves by Mr....