The mobilization of civil society in the streets and on social media demonstrated that citizen participation can halt the advance of authoritarianism and defend democracy in the face of political disenchantment.
With Flávio Bolsonaro emerging stronger after the first round, Lula faces a decisive runoff that will test his ability to reinvent himself and the future of Brazilian democracy.
Brazil’s elections could shape the course of Latin America’s energy transition by promoting a model that prioritizes extractivism and investment over climate justice.
The runoff election can artificially inflate presidential legitimacy without guaranteeing legislative majorities or democratic stability, although it remains useful in highly competitive elections.
Latin America's electoral swings do not signal the end of progressivism, but reflect growing competition, voter dissatisfaction and political alternation.
As Brazil heads into the presidential runoff, the country faces the challenge of choosing between the desire for change and the risks posed by the concentration of power and political nepotism.
