Civic movements across the country have made it clear to the would-be autocrat in the Palacio do Planalto ( government's headquarters) the non-negotiable limits of Brazilian democracy. Periodic elections, respect for their results, and the inauguration of the victors are inscribed in stone in the 1988 Constitution.
At Largo de São Francisco (University of São Paulo Law School), in downtown São Paulo, two declarations of intransigence with the democratic order were made this Thursday (11). Unions, business entities, and other segments of society formed a rainbow of affiliations, convictions, and purposes to reaffirm their common commitment to the civilized frameworks of political dispute, the rule of law, and fundamental rights.
Convergent acts aimed at highlighting the insurmountable borders to authoritarianism erected by the constitutional regime and at recognizing the effectiveness and reliability of the electoral system took place in other Brazilian cities.
When power is concentrated in the hands of a tyrant or an estate, nothing is guaranteed to the subjects, starting with their rights to life and freedom.
Respect for the authorities designated to conduct the elections and obedience to the polls are part of the agreement that is in the Charter, something that the August 11 letters did very well to revive.
Translated by Cassy Dias