By Emir Sader* – Page 12
Finally, in a week's time, Brazil will know who will win these elections. This final phase began with public interviews of the two candidates and continued with their first public debate.
The interviews conducted by TV Globo were a new factor. First, the interviewee was Lula, whose performance was applauded by the TV commentators themselves afterward. Calm and with his well-known ability to take the initiative, not letting himself be interrupted but making the most of his time, Lula gave a good performance. He brushed aside accusations of alleged irregularities and managed to focus the interview on his government's achievements and the future prospects for the country.
The next day, it was Flávio Bolsonaro's turn, who for the first time had to appear in public, openly. Until then, Flávio had only appeared with threats against Lula, saying he would expose him and throw accusations in the president's face.
The interview was the worst disaster Flávio had faced up to that point. He couldn't answer any of the questions posed to him, whether the public accusations, supported by films, that implicated him with Daniel Vorcaro, the corrupt banker, or the scenes depicting his personal behavior, including an orgy with women. Flávio also failed to present any proposals for a potential government of his own.
Following Flávio's surprising victory in the first round, the media was gripped by fear, and he went on to announce plans to amend the constitution; even the length of his term sparked a certain panic. The issue of democracy being at risk has become the central focus of media debate.
With polls now showing a virtual tie, a numerical tie, and in some cases even leading, the projection for the final week is that Lula will assume the lead in the latest polls.
Until the direct debate between the two candidates finally took place, after Flávio changed his position and decided to participate, when he realized that his favoritism had ended.
The debate was unique in that the two candidates were required to question each other. Topics ranged from public safety and the economy to women's rights, among others. Lula repeatedly asked Flávio why he had voted against maternity leave, to which Flávio refused to justify what he called an indefensible position, despite having previously claimed to defend women's interests.
At one point, for example, Lula said that he had been president of Brazil for 12 years and owned a 190-square-meter apartment that cost 1.5 million reais. Meanwhile, Flávio, who earned the same salary, bought a house outright for 10 million reais, financed by Banco de Vorcaro, the banker imprisoned for Brazil's biggest corruption case.
Flávio abused violence and aggression, which had a negative effect on the undecided voters, who are torn between the two candidates.
Among the existing effects of the debate, one demonstrates how activism—much more fervent and active on the part of the PT—can be decisive in the final outcome. Lula's Instagram account produced 10 videos about the debate, while Flávio's supporters posted 3. Lula's account garnered 2.8 million comments, compared to just 84,000 on Flávio's. Lula's account generated 14.7 million interactions, while Flávio's account received only 1.5 million. Finally, Lula's account received 76.7 million views, compared to 12.9 million on Flávio's.
It became clear that this is a confrontation between a president of Brazil, with successful governments, re-elected, versus an adventurer who has never governed anything, who defends the legacy of his father, who has left nothing relevant.
The debate does nothing to change the unfolding situation, which thus enters its final week. The debate took place on the Sunday before the vote, with the expectation that upcoming polls will show Lula in the lead.
The images that remain are those of a statesman, described as the ruler of Brazil, and a man who was completely unprepared, not only as a political leader, but also as a human being.
Now we wait for the final polls, which should be released on Thursday, seeking to get as close as possible to the final result, which will define who will win the elections and govern Brazil for the next four years.
While the largest demonstrations the country has ever seen continue to unfold across major Brazilian cities, in support of Lula and in rejection of the opposition candidate, as a stage for mass gatherings.
* Brazilian sociologist and political scientist.
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