The Brazilian community is increasing every day, 204,669 immigrants in 2021, in addition to those with dual citizenship. And 80,896 registered in Portugal to vote in Brazil’s presidential election, doubling the number in 2018.
The number of Brazilian immigrants has grown, but not at the same rate as those who registered for this presidential election. What justifies this evolution?
In fact, the community has grown, we have continuously reached record numbers. But the main reason is due to the fact that many international movements, not only in Portugal, but also many collectives, have campaigned to transfer people the title to vote in Portugal. Many associations, Casa do Brasil, the consulate itself, were busy encouraging people to vote, informing them about the right to transfer the title and there was a lot of demand for information. Even now people are asking how to transfer the voice, which is no longer possible. [o prazo acabou a 4 de maio].
Why was that concern more effective this time?
I believe it is so that people have guaranteed voting rights, but also to ensure that Brazil has a democratic president. Voting in Brazil is mandatory and there are consequences if people do not vote (it is optional for young people aged 16 and 17, over 70 and illiterate). They are prevented from running for public office, they have problems getting a passport, etc. There has always been an incentive for people to transfer the title to vote, but there are new problems and those have to do with the defense of democracy, with the fight against hate speech. The associations most closely linked to human rights, in defense of democracy, campaigned not necessarily to appeal to one candidate or the other, but against these coup threats, against speeches that distrust the electoral system (electronic voting ) for democracy. Many collectives have emerged that have a political aspect, such as Andorinha and many others, engaged in dialogue. Despite being outside our country, we want politicians who represent democracy, who have policies for equality and social justice, who guarantee the Constitution.
These campaigns may not have been in favor of one candidate, but they were against one candidate: Jair Bolsonaro.
Casa do Brasil has no candidate, it is for democracy and in that sense we understand that Jair Bolsonaro does not represent our mission. It does not represent the values we believe in, it does not represent the pillars of democracy. We are against all forms of discrimination, against racism, xenophobia, homophobia, against any situation that does not guarantee freedom, democracy and equality. We have always positioned ourselves against governments that carry on this coup discourse and do not work to guarantee the pillars of democracy.
Bolsonaro won the elections in Portugal four years ago, with about 65% of the vote in the second round. Will it be different this time?
We expect that this inequality will decrease, that there will be more balance between the two candidates with the most votes. Bearing in mind that the citizens of those movements more involved against far-right policies will have registered, we expect there will be this balance in the mood. But I only see the results.
Could you understand the majority profile of the registered Brazilians?
We have a sensibility, there may have been more people politically involved against the registration of far-right governments. But it’s a sensitivity, we don’t have any data. And a lot.
Even because there are people who have emigrated because they are against Bolsonaro.
This transformation in immigration has taken place in recent years, I would even say it started before the coup against President Dilma. There is a growing politicized immigration, aware of the values of democracy. It could be a bubble, Brazilian immigration is very high and it’s not because people migrate that they can be more or less politicized. They bring political consciences from their country of origin and continue to exercise them. But we have hope for change.
Is this hope the victory of Lula da Silva or simply that there is a balance in the distribution of votes?
What we think is that there could be a bigger balance, it’s hard to predict who will win. Not until we know the election results on Monday.
Which candidate will they applaud if they win?
As Cyntia, I hope this is the end of this presidential government that does not represent us. Casa do Brasil hopes it will be an electoral response to democracy, to the defense of equality and social justice, and not to a candidate who does not represent us. Regardless of the person, the important thing is that whoever is elected represents democracy.
Do you think the elections will be decided next Sunday, without the need for a second round?
We have that hope.
One last appeal.
I appeal to registered Brazilians to exercise their compulsory voting rights. I hope you vote with conscience, because our country doesn’t respect us either. We hope that regardless of the candidate who wins, the coup speech doesn’t come. It is important that whoever has a vision of democracy wins, for the policies that Casa do Brasil believes in. We also hope that the next government of Brazil will have a constant dialogue with other countries so that the rights of migrants are guaranteed.
Source: DN
