Lula is the projected winner in Brazilian presidential elections. With 94% of the vote counted, the progressive lead almost 3 points over his right-wing opponent, Flavio Bolsonaro.
Despite the results of the quick count, Brazil may be in for a long night — and perhaps a long few days and weeks. Elections were fraught with irregularities. Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled that polling stations stay open after long lines, non-functioning voting machines, and irregular public transportation in the capital.
Some complied. Others did not. Both campaigns denounced the dynamic as vote-tampering against their campaigns.
Lula overperformed his first-round results after an old-school massive street push in the last weeks of the campaign, largely ignoring a trend of virtual campaigning in recent LATAM elections.
There is an important caveat, however. Two organic trends from Lula supporters dominated South American social media in the lead-up to the final round: supporters posting selfies making an “L” sign with their hands was boosted by some very high profile celebrities.
But the second trend, female Lula supporters posting cleavage shots became a wave that spread well beyond the borders of Brazil, and across the sub-continent.
Even as we type these words, however, the Bolsonaro campaign is, without any doubt whatsoever, filing legal challenges. It is very unlikely they will concede and accept election results.
A long political slog is on its way to Brazil. And it’s likely to be a long night for us at PWS.
