Brazilian business and intellectuals launch manifesto expressing confidence in electronic voting

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – In a manifesto published this Thursday, August 5, hundreds of business people, economists, academics, doctors, diplomats, and civil society representatives expressed their confidence in the Electoral Courts and the electronic voting system. They affirmed that Brazil will have elections next year and that the results will be respected.

The document is signed by businessmen such as Roberto Setubal and Pedro Moreira Salles, co-chairmen of the board of directors of Itaú Unibanco, Luiza Trajano and Frederico Trajano, controlling shareholders of Magazine Luiza, economists such as former Finance Minister Pedro Malan and former Central Bank President Arminio Fraga, diplomats such as former Foreign Minister Celso Lafer, and representatives of civil society, such as Ilona Szabó, from the Igarapé Institute, and Priscila Cruz, from Todos pela Educação.

“Despite the difficult moment, we believe in Brazil. Our more than 200 million inhabitants have dreams, aspirations, and capabilities to transform our society and build a more prosperous and fair future. This future will only be possible based on democratic stability. The key principle of a healthy democracy is the holding of elections and the acceptance of their results by all involved,” states the manifesto.

“The Brazilian Electoral Justice system is one of the most modern and respected in the world. We trust it and the current electronic voting system. Brazilian society is a guarantor of the Constitution and will not accept authoritarian adventures. Brazil will have elections, and their results will be respected.”

The manifesto’s publication comes amid suspicions voiced by President Jair Bolsonaro about the electronic voting system and the frequent threats the president has made about holding next year’s election if printed ballots are not adopted.

In an interview on Wednesday, Bolsonaro also said that the Supreme Court (STF) is acting outside the provisions of the Constitution with the decision to launch an investigation against him.