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The polarization of this year’s elections and episodes of violence has spread fear of talking about politics among voters. According to a research carried out by Datafolha, the places where Brazilians are most afraid to talk about politics or reveal who their presidential candidate are public spaces, at work or with family. Almost a third of voters (30%) think that talking about it with strangers on the streets or in other open places can cause problems. A quarter of people also mention their workplace (25%) and family members (24%).
Harassment at Work
On Wednesday (19/10), the Public Ministry of Labor (MPT) revealed that complaints of electoral harassment rose to 706 across the country. Until Tuesday, the number was 447 – an increase of 58%. The largest number recorded is concentrated in the Southeast region, with 284 cases. Until Tuesday, the South region was leading the ranking, but now accounts for 212 occurrences. Then appear Northeast (118), Midwest (48) and North (44).
Electoral harassment is a crime and happens when an employer acts to coerce, threaten or promise benefits for someone to vote for a particular candidate.
Heated Arguments and Threats
In the past week, several incidents involving politics were reported again. On 16 October, in Jacareí, São Paulo state rural area, a elderly woman interrupted a mass and argued with a priest because she believed that he would be supporting a political position contrary to hers.
On Tuesday (18/11), the Federal Police launched an inquiry to investigate a man who threatened, on video, to shoot former President Lula (PT). The man was identified as Valter Lima da Costa and lives in Florianópolis (SC). The investigation was opened at the request of delegate Andrei Passos, PT’s head of security.
Also on Tuesday (18/10), media outlets published reports about evangelic that were being expelled from their congregations after declaring that they were not going to vote for the candidade that his/her church supported.
