Since the start of the campaign on 16 August until 3 October, at least 11 candidates have been targeted by violence in the state of Rio de Janeiro. On average, one incident occurs every four days. This count, compiled by O GLOBO, includes cases of physical aggression, shoving, insults, threats, shootings, and even homicides. Many of these cases are still under investigation by the Civil Police.
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Most Recent Case
The most recent incident occurred on Monday night (30/09) when the armored car of city council candidate Ítalo Koster (PRD) was shot at in Guaratiba, in Rio’s West Zone. According to Koster, armed men surrounded his vehicle and fired multiple shots, hitting the front window at least three times. The candidate revealed that he had received threats recently. For instance, on 17 September, he received an SMS message warning him to withdraw from the campaign within 48 hours or face harm to his family.
Baixada Fluminense
In the early hours of Tuesday (01/10), in Belford Roxo, Baixada Fluminense, mayoral candidate Vinicius Crânio (PSOL) was attacked by hooded men. The assault was broadcast live on the candidate’s Instagram account and later shared on his social media platforms.
Other Cases
On 25 September, city council candidate João Fernandes Teixeira Filho, known as Joãozinho Fernandes (Avante), was shot dead in the Cacuia neighborhood, Nova Iguaçu, in Baixada Fluminense. This was his first run for a seat in the local Chamber. In Tanguá, another city council candidate, Welinton de Aguiar Mendonça, known as Welinton do Uber (PSB), was found shot to death inside a car in early September.
Also in September, Gerson Cunha de Almeida Reis Filho (União), a candidate for Nova Iguaçu City Council, reported that his armored car was struck by bullets. On the same day, the business of Reginaldo Adelino Fortes, known as Irmão Dino (PP), a candidate in Duque de Caxias, was also targeted by gunfire.
In another instance of election-related violence, city council candidate Leonel de Esquerda (PT) was attacked early last month and had to be hospitalized following a confrontation involving mayoral candidate Rodrigo Amorim (União) in the capital.
São Paulo
In São Paulo, the Civil Police are investigating an incident involving gunshots fired at the car of a city councilwoman running for reelection. The attack occurred on Thursday night (03/10) in Jardim São Luiz, located in the southern part of the city. According to the police, two criminals on a motorcycle fired 11 shots at Janaína Lima’s (PP) vehicle, which was parked in front of a residence.
Analysis:
The rising violence targeting candidates in Brazil, as highlighted in the recent incidents in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, reflects deep-rooted challenges within the country’s political and social fabric. It’s crucial to analyze not only the immediate impact on electoral processes but also the broader societal consequences.
The violence witnessed ranging from threats and physical attacks to gunfire and homicides—creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation that undermines the democratic process. When candidates, particularly those from smaller parties or those representing marginalized groups, are targeted, it limits political diversity and discourages participation in politics.
Socially, this violence exacerbates existing divisions and fuels a culture of fear. Communities where candidates are attacked or threatened may feel alienated from the political process, furthering distrust in the system.
