Brazil’s ex-President Bolsonaro wins big without his name on the ballot

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, currently serving a 27-year sentence for a coup plot, did not appear on the ballot during the country's recent election. However, his eldest son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, emerged victorious in the first round of the presidential election, defeating incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The election results showcased a growing right-wing wave in the region and highlighted Flavio's increasing influence within the political landscape.

Flavio's win marked a significant turnaround for the Bolsonaro family and their ideological movement, which had been struggling amidst legal troubles. Four other family members also secured positions in public office, including Flavio's wife, Michelle, and two of his sons, Carlos and Jair Renan, in the Senate and the lower house, respectively. Political analyst Antonio Flavio Testa noted that it was unprecedented for a single political clan to achieve such a feat in Brazilian history.

Flavio's campaign was initially met with skepticism, as he secured the nomination with a little-known party member, Alfredo Gaspar, as his running mate. Despite having limited public support, Flavio's AI-generated image endorsed him, and the real Jair Bolsonaro, now in house arrest due to ill health, had previously campaigned virtually. The Liberal Party's performance in the election was exceptional, nearly doubling its seats in the 81-seat Senate, indicating a strong right-wing trend in Brazilian politics.