The 526,000 candidacy registrations computed so far for the municipal elections in November already represent a record in the total number of candidates, female candidates, and, for the first time in history, a self-declared majority black (black or brown) in relation to those who identify themselves as white.
The growth of blacks and women in the mayoral and city council disputes stems from gender quotas from the 90s and the most recent quotas for the distribution of campaign funds and electoral propaganda.
To explain blacks' greater presence, experts say more people are recognizing themselves as black and brown after actions to combat racism.
Until the night of this Sunday (27), the percentage of female candidates was 34%, 177 thousand competitors. In the last three elections, this index did not exceed 32%. Under current rules, parties must reserve at least 30% of candidate slots and public campaign funds for them.
In 2018, Folha revealed in several reports that parties, including the PSL, launched phantom candidates in order to simulate compliance with the requirement, but ended up diverting resources to male candidates.
In the case of black candidates, the TSE decided to institute from 2022 the equitable division of campaign funds and electoral propaganda between black and white candidates.
Ricardo Lewandowski of the Supreme Court, however, determined the immediate application of the measure. His decision, which is an injunction, is being analyzed by the plenary.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon