‘There Is a Risk to Democracy.’ Brazil Wakes Up to the Reality of a Bolsonaro Presidency

The rumors came fast, even before polls closed. Jair Bolsonaro, the far-right firebrand with an affection for violent dictatorships, was running away with the race to become president of the world’s fourth-largest democracy. In Rio, delighted cheers rang out. Fireworks exploded.

The extent to which the 63-year-old had captured the electorate across Brazil was soon clear.