European partnership for democracy, EPD

Brazil holds presidential election. Election Guide

Dilma ROUSSEFF, a former Marxist guerrilla, received 46.9% of the vote in the first round of Brazil’s presidential election on Sunday. Her main opponent, Jose SERRA, received 32.61%. If elected, ROUSSEFF would become the nation’s first female president. ROUSSEFF was unable to secure the absolute majority needed to avoid a runoff, despite having the support of outgoing President Luiz Inácio LULA da Silva. LULA, who is term limited, is leaving office with record high approval ratings. Marina SILVA, the candidate for the Green Party, received 20% of the vote, preventing ROUSSEFF a first-round victory. SILVA was Minister of Environment under LULA’s government.

http://www.electionguide.org/news.php#5354