‘This is a lethal threat’: Indigenous groups fear Bolsonaro’s hold on voters in Brazil’s Amazon towns
Indigenous groups in Brazil's Amazon region express deep concern over the popularity of Flávio Bolsonaro, whose supporters often favor policies that encourage mining in protected areas. The article explores the economic motivations behind the far-right candidate's support in local Amazonian towns.
Why it matters
The political divide in Brazil's Amazon highlights the conflict between economic development through resource extraction and the protection of Indigenous lands and the environment.
People selling merchandise that expresses support for the presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro in Boa Vista over the weekend. Far-right presidential candidate is popular among those who believe more mining can help revitalise local economies
Prefer the Guardian on Google I t was the night before the first round of Brazil’s presidential election and Rosimari Monteiro was so excited she couldn’t sleep. The 38-year-old spent hours tossing and turning at her home in the Amazon town of Mucajaí before rising at dawn to cast her vote.
“I was the first person to vote at my polling station … I voted 22, so we got off to a positive start,” recalls Monteiro, as she stands in her sitting room with her two young daughters.
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