Jair Bolsonaro condemned his election ban as a ‘denial of democracy’ during a rally in Rio de Janeiro. He claims that his exclusion from the elections reflects political persecution. Despite criminal allegations, he continues to seek a comeback, aiming to run in the 2026 elections. The rally also called for amnesty for those involved in the January 8 riots against Lula’s government.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has condemned the ban preventing him from running for re-election as a “denial of democracy.” Addressing a demonstration in Rio de Janeiro, he gathered several thousand supporters along Copacabana beach. Despite facing allegations of involvement in a coup attempt against his successor Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Bolsonaro is trying to maintain his status as a prominent political figure ahead of the 2026 elections.
Bolsonaro, who is 69 years old, asserted, “Elections without Bolsonaro is a denial of democracy in Brazil,” as he seeks to emulate the political recovery of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Supporters at the rally echoed sentiments of his persecution, with Patricia Santos emphasizing, “They are trying to throw him in prison… but they won’t succeed.”
Though Bolsonaro expected a larger turnout, the rally was smaller than previous events. It officially aimed to demand amnesty for those convicted of participating in the January 8, 2023 riots in Brasilia, where Bolsonaro backers stormed key government buildings, seeking a military coup against Lula shortly after his election victory.
Present during the riots, Bolsonaro has been accused of conspiring to overthrow the government. With Brazil’s Supreme Court set to review the case on March 25, the former president faces a potential prison sentence of over 40 years if convicted. Similar to Trump, he claims political persecution is at play, aiming to disqualify him from future candidacies.
Bolsonaro’s ban from public office until 2030 stems from unfounded claims about Brazil’s electronic voting system. He intends to challenge this ruling in Congress, while analysts suggest that the rally was primarily for him to convey his intentions of competing in the 2026 elections. Amid ongoing political unrest, questions remain about the health of President Lula and the continuing economic issues affecting his administration.
In summary, Jair Bolsonaro’s recent rally showcases his intent to position himself for potential future elections despite legal challenges. His declarations against the election ban underscore his sense of political persecution, while echoes of his supporters’ sentiments reflect a significant division in Brazilian politics. As the Supreme Court prepares to rule on his eligibility, Bolsonaro’s political future remains uncertain yet fervently contested.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
