Dora Kramer argues that Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s reelection demonstrated the importance of voters choosing to participate, as political parties and lawmakers reconsider Brazil’s electoral rules in response to recent results.
Kramer writes that discussion of ending presidential reelection has faded, while mixed-member district voting has emerged as a proposed remedy. She says political debate has again moved ahead without a detailed examination of which reforms are actually needed.
The columnist points to Lula’s turnaround against his opponent between the first and second rounds as evidence that voluntary voter engagement can shape an election. While she says Lula made extensive use of the public administration, she argues that the change in results suggests this alone did not determine the outcome. In her view, campaigning and mobilization in streets and online were decisive.
Kramer also highlights participation by voters not required to vote, including people aged 16 to 17 and those aged 70 or older. She says abstention, which stood at 22% in the 2022 election, fell to 19% in the final round of 2026. The column contrasts that figure with 12% in 1989, during what it describes as a high point of enthusiasm for the return to democracy.
Kramer concludes that the 2026 election showed how voters’ willingness to act on their preferences can outweigh the obligation imposed by compulsory voting.
Sources: Folha Poder.