2022 Elections: Brazil’s Congress keeps a large majority of ruralists, but resistance increases in the Lower House

Brazil held general elections for the federal and state legislatures, and the first round for the presidency and state governments. The results raised concerns for Human Rights defenders and environmentalists.

We emphasize:

– In the 100 Brazilian municipalities with the highest Gross Agricultural Production Value (GVP), the president and candidate for re-election, Jair Bolsonaro (PL), ended the 1st round of the presidential elections ahead in 75.

– 9 indigenous candidates were elected, 5 identifying with leftist parties, such as Sônia Guajajara (PSOL-SP), Juliana Cardoso (PT-SP) and Celia Xakriabá (PSOL-MG). “The “indigenous bench will drive cattle, mining and loggers out of the territories,” APIB said. Joênia Wapichania (Rede-RR) was not reelected, despite having increased her vote.

– In the Legal Amazon, five governors were reelected: Antonio Denarium (RR), Carlos Brandão (MA), Gladson Cameli (AC), Mauro Mendes (MT) and Vanderlei Barbosa (TO). Former Environment Minister Ricardo Salles, investigated for his participation in international timber trafficking, also goes to the Lower House, as a representative for São Paulo state.

– 126 representatives that make up the Ruralist caucus were reelected, as well as a senator. Another six parliamentarians will change houses in the next legislature, moving from the Lower House to the Senate. In all, 246 members of the Agrarian Parliament Front – FPA ran for reelection.