Brazil ranks third in the world for the most social media usage, following India and Indonesia. Now, a controversial, 3-year-old bill is weaving its way through Congress. It could regulate social media platforms in the same way as TV and radio. The “Fake News Bill” has staunch supporters, but some also accuse it of being a form of censorship.
Evangelicals now make up a third of the population of Brazil. And their votes could be decisive in this weekend’s tight presidential election. Michelle Bolsonaro, wife of the incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro, is doing her part to get out the vote — especially among women.
In the runoff election in Brazil, there are two very different visions for the future of public education. Incumbent Jair Bolsonaro has steadily been making cuts. While his challenger, former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, vows to expand it. That’s what he did when he ran the country in the 2000s, and in northeastern Brazil, voters feel their very livelihoods depend on his return.
Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has promised to continue facilitating mining and agro industry in Brazil’s portion of the Amazon if he wins another four-year term. But destruction of the Amazon affects the air quality and jeopardizes the water supply in neighboring countries.
Brazilians will vote in presidential elections on Sunday. They will also vote for a host of other government officials. This year, more Indigenous people, women and Black candidates are running for office than ever before.