Campaigning begins for Brazilian election dominated by corruption issues

Today, 11 Brazilian ministers, nearly a third of the presidential cabinet, are expected to resign to campaign for congressional seats ahead of October’s general elections.

Corruption will dominate the campaign season. Since early 2014, Brazil has been shaken by an unprecedented series of investigations into the country’s business and political worlds, resulting in over 100 convictions and dozens of ongoing investigations.

Back in January, popular ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was convicted of corruption and money laundering charges and this month barred from re-running, which he was expected to do. With the former president out, the door has been opened to fringe candidates, like far-right presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro.

Da Silva’s absence leaves the left without a definite candidate at this time. Yet, with more than double the electorate claiming to support the former president over Bolsonaro, it is unclear whether or not the absence of Mr da Silva on the ballot will increase or decrease the fringe candidate’s popularity and chances at winning the presidency.