Author: Marie

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro loses second term in poll that saw left-wing party claim victory

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro loses second term in poll that saw left-wing party claim victory

Brazil’s Bolsonaro loses bid for second term in fiercely contested presidential vote Published duration 3 December 2019 Related Topics Brazil general election 2019

image copyright Reuters image caption Bolsonaro’s hardline stance on immigration and women could prove costly to his political future

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro lost his bid for a second term in a fiercely-fought poll that saw a left-wing party claim victory.

His opponent Fernando Haddad, the leftist candidate, took 42% of the vote, while the former Sao Paulo mayor stood on 39%.

Bolsonaro, who was elected in 2014, is now being investigated by Brazil’s top electoral court over charges of fraud.

He has so far refused to step down.

The last exit polls showed Mr Bolsonaro on 39%, with Mr Haddad on 42%, with the two candidates separated by about 3,000 votes.

The electoral court has ordered a recount of 1.2 million votes, which is expected to take three weeks.

The leftist coalition of the Socialism and Freedom party (PSOL) claimed victory on Sunday – a result with which Mr Bolsonaro was initially unpersuaded.

The right-wing candidate was quick to congratulate the opposition party for the victory.

He told the crowd: “I thank the people of Brazil and to you I am more than happy.”

image copyright Reuters image caption The presidential race has sparked protests and riots

image copyright Reuters image caption Mr Bolsonaro made a series of controversial comments over the course of the campaign

Presidential approval rating

The two candidates clashed over the economy, immigration, healthcare, the Amazon rainforest, gender equality, and corruption allegations against him.

Mr Bolsonaro was accused of trying to use the electoral court to “cleanse himself” from allegations of election fraud.

He has repeatedly refused to step down.

The president

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