Party president Marcos Pereira said Republicanos will support Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in the 25 October runoff, reversing first-round neutrality, while leaving some local leaders free to stay with Lula.
Republicanos said on Wednesday that it will support Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in Brazil's presidential runoff, reversing the neutrality it held in the first round. CNN Brasil reported that party president Marcos Pereira announced the decision in Brasilia.
With all ballot boxes counted, Bolsonaro, of the Liberal Party, finished the first round with 47.03 percent, or 56.1 million votes, CNN Brasil reported. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, seeking re-election for the Workers' Party, had 45.16 percent, or 53.8 million votes. The runoff is set for 25 October.
O Globo reported that Pereira said the first round was over, that the people had spoken, and that Republicanos would support Bolsonaro for president. He also said local realities would be respected, citing Paraiba and Pernambuco. The paper said the party will not punish members who campaign for Lula, including Chamber president Hugo Motta and former ports minister Silvio Costa Filho, who did not attend the meeting.
CNN Brasil said Bolsonaro had earlier the same day received backing from Novo and from the Uniao Progressista federation. The Republicanos move is an endorsement, not a change in the official first-round tally.
The runoff remains between Bolsonaro and Lula. Neither outlet published a new poll with the announcement.
People Sentiments Mixed
- Marcos Pereira said the first round was over and that Republicanos would support Flavio Bolsonaro.
- He said local realities, including in Paraiba and Pernambuco, would still be respected.
- O Globo reported the party will not punish members who campaign for Lula.