Brazil: Lula’s Election Victory Is a Triumph for Democracy and Indigenous Rights

The Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) views Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s victory in the Brazilian presidential election as an important signal for democracy, human rights, and the protection of the Amazon. On Sunday (October 25), Lula prevailed over the far-right candidate Flávio Bolsonaro.

“A great deal was at stake, especially for Brazil’s indigenous peoples. Flávio Bolsonaro had announced his intention to block the recognition of additional indigenous territories. That would have jeopardized the protection of millions of hectares of land and further increased the pressure on indigenous communities,” emphasizes Dr. Eliane Fernandes, Advisor on Indigenous Peoples at STP.

Ahead of the runoff election, a broad social coalition mobilized against the shift to the right. “Women, the LGBTQIAPN+ community, musicians, artists, scientists, and the Indigenous movement joined forces in this second round to fight against Flávio Bolsonaro and swing the result in Lula’s favor,” Fernandes emphasizes. “For many members of Indigenous Peoples, getting to the polls was a challenge. In particular, people from remote communities in the Amazon region traveled long distances by river or overland to cast their votes and stand up against the destruction of their territories and cultures.”

Despite his election victory, Lula faces significant challenges. “Agribusiness representatives in Congress will continue to try to push through bills that could severely jeopardize the rights of Indigenous Peoples,” Fernandes warns.