What Is 2018 presidential elections in Brazil

Overview

The 2018 Brazilian presidential election marked a major political shift, ending years of leftist dominance and ushering in a right-wing government. Held amid economic crisis, corruption scandals, and widespread voter discontent, the election featured a polarizing contest between far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro and leftist Fernando Haddad.

The election used a two-round system, with the first round on October 7, 2018, and the runoff on October 28, 2018. No candidate secured over 50% in the first round, triggering the runoff between the top two finishers: Bolsonaro and Haddad.

• First-round turnout was 75.8%, with over 107 million votes cast across 13 candidates, reflecting high voter engagement despite political disillusionment.
• Jair Bolsonaro, running for the Social Liberal Party (PSL), led the first round with 46.0% of the vote, capitalizing on anti-corruption sentiment and law-and-order messaging.
• Fernando Haddad, candidate for the Workers' Party (PT), advanced to the runoff after Lula da Silva was barred from running due to a corruption conviction.
• The election saw record social media influence, with Bolsonaro’s campaign dominating platforms like WhatsApp, often spreading unverified claims and memes.
• Security concerns rose during the campaign after Bolsonaro was stabbed on September 6, 2018, in Juiz de Fora, delaying his in-person campaigning until late October.

How It Works

Brazil’s presidential election follows a two-round majority system, requiring a candidate to win over 50% of valid votes to avoid a runoff. This structure ensures broad support for the eventual winner and allows multiple parties to compete in the first round.

• Term: The President of Brazil serves a four-year term and can be re-elected once consecutively. The winner of the 2018 election took office on January 1, 2019, succeeding Michel Temer.
• Eligibility requires Brazilian citizenship, party affiliation, and minimum age of 35. Candidates must also meet residency and documentation requirements set by the Superior Electoral Court (TSE).
• Voting is mandatory for citizens aged 18 to 70, though optional for those 16–17 and over 70. Voter ID is verified electronically, ensuring high accuracy in Brazil’s fully digital voting system.
• First-round results showed Bolsonaro with 46.0%, Haddad with 29.3%, Ciro Gomes with 12.5%, and Geraldo Alckmin with 4.8%, eliminating the latter two from the runoff.
• Runoff turnout reached 78% of registered voters, with Bolsonaro winning 55.9% to 44.1%, a decisive margin in a deeply divided electorate.
• Electoral integrity was maintained through Brazil’s electronic voting machines, which are auditable and produce printed receipts, though disinformation campaigns on social media raised concerns.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2018 election to Brazil’s previous presidential contests highlights shifts in party strength, voter behavior, and campaign tactics.

The 2018 election broke from recent patterns by elevating a minor party (PSL) to power and rejecting the Workers' Party, which had governed Brazil for 13 of the previous 16 years. The shift reflected voter fatigue with corruption and a desire for political renewal, even if it meant supporting a controversial figure like Bolsonaro.

Why It Matters

The 2018 election reshaped Brazil’s political landscape, with long-term implications for democracy, governance, and international relations. Bolsonaro’s victory signaled a global trend toward populist and nationalist leaders, drawing comparisons to figures like Donald Trump and Rodrigo Duterte.

• Policy direction shifted dramatically, with Bolsonaro pursuing deregulation, privatization, and a hardline stance on crime and environmental enforcement in the Amazon.
• Democratic norms were tested as Bolsonaro frequently criticized the press, judiciary, and electoral system, raising concerns about institutional stability.
• Environmental impact grew under Bolsonaro, with increased deforestation in the Amazon linked to weakened enforcement and pro-development rhetoric.
• Global alignment shifted as Bolsonaro moved Brazil closer to the U.S. and Israel while distancing from traditional allies like China and the EU on climate issues.
• Political fragmentation persisted, with the PSL dissolving soon after the election and Bolsonaro switching parties multiple times, reflecting institutional instability.
• Future elections were influenced by the 2018 outcome, setting the stage for Lula’s 2022 comeback and ongoing polarization between progressive and conservative blocs.

The 2018 election remains a pivotal moment in Brazil’s modern history, illustrating how economic hardship, corruption, and digital disinformation can converge to transform a nation’s political trajectory.