Brazil local polls show right's strength and weakness

Significance

Numerous candidates supported by former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro performed well, with his own Liberal Party (PL) winning in the first round in two of the 26 state capitals and reaching the run-off in another nine. The left and centre-left performed poorly, while the transactional and largely conservative ‘Centrao’ bloc consolidated its local power in much of Brazil.

Impacts

• The lack of apparent future leadership options will make it harder for the PT to win local elections despite holding the presidency.
• Electoral results reflect the left’s continuing difficulties in connecting with community-based movements.
• The right will continue to increase its presence at the grassroots level throughout the country.