The results of the Brazil Presidential Elections are just in and Jair Bolsonaro has won the election. The former military officer is now the president elect and will assume office on 1st January 2019. His stated views conform to the far right ideology: he supports military dictatorship, is anti-secular and has sometimes been called the country's “biggest homophobe”. Reasons enough for #PrayForBrazil to trend now, wouldn’t you say?
He has referred to refugees as the “scum of the earth”, has expressed his deep hatred and distaste for homosexuality repeatedly. He has also pledged to include retired generals in his cabinet. Many are wary of his alliances with evangelical Christians, and powerful armament lobbies and agri-business lobbies. He favours torture, has contempt for the female sex and people of colour.
The far right ideology of Brazil's president elect has many people very alarmed. Brazil is currently undergoing the worst ever economic crisis. Bolsonaro's promises to curb inflation, generate jobs and guarantee growth; which seems to have swayed the electorate in spite of the dangerous fascist views he espouses.
People have expressed apprehension at what they see is a worldwide phenomenon; with right wing candidates with fascist leanings becoming elected to the highest office in countries all over the world.
Bolsonaro's supporters, clearly emboldened by their leader have started to attack people of the LGBT community. As many as 70 attacks have been recorded against the community, women, opponent candidates and journalists.
Many see the election of Bolsonaro as a vindication for homophobic, misogynistic, racist ideologies. People of colour, indigenous people, progressive activists, environmental activists and defenders of human rights are particularly at risk right now.
Some people believe that the president-elect is a mixture of Hitler and Donald Trump. People are just wondering what would lead a country to vote for someone as divisive and hateful as Bolsonaro.
Political analysts feel that this victory will concentrate powers in the hands of powerful industrialists, the pro weapon lobbies, powerful churches and segments of the police and army. This has significant implications for the rest of the world; not just for Brazil.
Area wise, Brazil is one of the biggest countries in the world and its vast rainforests are a precious global resource; a bulwark against climate change. So, what happens in Brazil is important for the rest of the world as well. Climate change impacts the whole world and Bolsonaro views on this matter have been far from reassuring.
How hard is it to not be racist, misogynistic, and homophobic, asks one tweet. People are simply saddened and scared that openly divisive and hateful people are now being elected to the highest office… simply because they promise to look after the interests of part of the population. This is a global trend and a growing one. Perhaps we all #PrayForBrazil, #PrayForHumanity
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