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.
Lula could be re-elected, but the left would remain far from gaining control of power, since a Congress, governors, and a largely conservative Centrão would limit its room for maneuver.
The refusal of defeated candidates to recognize legitimate electoral results undermines the authority of newly elected presidents, exacerbates polarization, and can trigger serious institutional crises and post-election violence.
