Feb 18 • 23:00 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil Folha (PT)

The Ballots and the Distrustful

A significant portion of Brazilians express skepticism about the reliability of electronic voting machines, revealing deep political divides in public opinion.

A recent survey by Genial/Quaest reveals that at least 40% of Brazilians doubt the reliability of electronic voting machines, with a slim majority of 53% expressing trust in them. This average conceals stark political divisions, indicating that the level of trust is heavily influenced by political affiliations. For instance, while 75% of those who voted for Lula in the 2022 runoff have confidence in the electronic voting system, only 26% of Bolsonaro supporters believe it produces credible results.

The survey further illustrates that left-leaning voters, particularly those aligned with Lula, show overwhelming support for electronic voting, significantly above the national average. Conversely, only a meager 18% of Bolsonaro's right-wing supporters view the voting machines positively, with just 30% of right-wing voters not strictly following the former soldier expressing confidence in their accuracy. This divide highlights the polarized nature of Brazilian politics, where trust in the electoral system is closely tied to political loyalty.

Among independent voters, opinions mirror the national sentiments, with 55% expressing confidence in electronic voting and 41% remaining skeptical. Such findings illustrate a broader trend of distrust in institutions among the Brazilian populace, which could have significant implications for future elections and the overall health of democracy in Brazil as political divisions continue to exacerbate challenges to electoral integrity and public confidence in the democratic process.

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