BRAZIL: Far-Right Jair Bolsonaro Elected President

The Guardian reports:



Jair Bolsonaro has been elected as the next president of Brazil, winning 55.1% of the vote in the second-round vote between himself and PT candidate Fernando Haddad. The far-right candidate was leading in the polls after he fell just short of achieving a majority in the first round of voting three weeks ago.

His win on Sunday night has alarmed progressives, given his previous comments supporting torture and calling for political opponents to be shot. As well as comments disparaging women, minorities and LGBT people.

In a televised victory speech, Bolsonaro said “We are going to change the destiny of Brazil” but also extended an olive branch, saying he was going to govern for all Brazilians regardless of orientation, opinion or colour.