Brazil’s 2026 elections see record number of indigenous candidates

A survey by the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (APIB) reveals that the 2026 Brazilian elections will feature the highest number of indigenous candidates ever recorded. A total of 191 individuals have submitted their qualifications to the Superior Electoral Court to stand for office as descendants of indigenous peoples.

However, this figure accounts for less than 1 percent of the 20,506 candidate registrations received by the court as of August 17. This record-high number of indigenous candidates marks a significant milestone, representing nearly 3 percent more than the 186 indigenous candidates in the 2022 general election and more than 125 percent higher than the 85 candidates in 2014.

The Legal Amazon is the region with the highest representation, accounting for 42% of the registered candidacies, followed by the Southeast, Northeast, Central-West, and South. The indigenous candidates belong to 64 different ethnic groups, with the Macuxi from Roraima leading with 13 candidates, followed by the Guarani Kaiowá from Mato Grosso do Sul with 12 candidates, and eight Guarani, seven Munduruku, six Mura, and six Terena candidates.

Women comprise 44% of the indigenous candidates, a higher proportion than the overall share of women among all candidates (35%). This record-breaking increase in indigenous candidates is a result and reflection of the "historic journey of resistance and advocacy" by indigenous peoples, striving for greater political representation and respect.

The support from APIB and regional indigenous organizations is bolstering 54 grassroots candidates, united under the slogan "Our Territory, Our Life," emphasizing the importance of territories in Brazil's future and encouraging indigenous candidates to integrate the movement's proposals into their campaigns.