Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a left-wing former president, finished in first place Sunday in Brazil’s presidential election – but only by a very tight margin.
"Lula represents democracy," said Julia Sottili, a museum worker who voted for da Silva because of what she described as Bolsonaro's authoritarian tendencies."Lula wants to improve people's lives and end hunger. He is really concerned about human rights."Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva speaks during an election rally in Manaus, Brazil, on Aug. 31.
Still, the result was a kind of vindication for da Silva, who became a hero to many Brazilians during his two terms as president between 2003 and 2010 when a commodities-fueled economic boom helped lift millions out of poverty.However, after leaving office he became ensnared in a wide-ranging corruption scandal that landed him in prison for a year and a half. His political career seemed over.
President of Brazil and presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro greets supporters during a rally at Praca do Santuario on Sept. 23 in Divinopolis, Brazil.President of Brazil and presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro greets supporters during a rally at Praca do Santuario on Sept. 23 in Divinopolis, Brazil.
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