Flávio Bolsonaro, the far-right frontrunner in Brazil's presidential election, has vowed to "re-democratise" the country, prompting critics to warn of a potential shift toward authoritarianism if he wins office.
Flávio secured a surprise first-round victory in the election, according to reporting from The Guardian. His pledge to "re-democratise" Brazil has alarmed observers who note the term's unsettling resonance: Brazil transitioned away from military dictatorship in the 1980s after 21 years of authoritarian rule.
Flávio's father, disgraced ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, has long expressed admiration for Brazil's former military dictatorship. The Guardian reports that critics worry Flávio could seek to continue his father's authoritarian project if elected.
The Bolsonaro family has experienced a rapid political ascent. Flávio's first-round performance has been described as heralding the rise of what The Guardian calls "Brazil's House of Bolsonaro."
The source material does not provide specific details about what Flávio Bolsonaro means by "re-democratise" or what policies he intends to pursue. The article does not include direct quotes from Flávio explaining his platform or responding to criticism. The Guardian frames the concerns as those of critics without naming specific individuals or organisations making these warnings.
Brazil's democratic institutions have faced pressure in recent years. The country is now in a position where voters face a choice about the country's democratic trajectory in a second-round election to come.