In Salvador, Bahia, on Nov. 2, students gathered at Morro do Cristo for a demonstration organized by the National Union of Students, demanding a defense of Brazil’s democratic process after nationwide protests. The mobilization follows the arrival of a letter from Senator Flavio Bolsonaro claiming, after the October 25 presidential election, that he was the true president‑elect.
This protest is part of the “Brasil com S” campaign, which the UNE launched to defend the integrity of the electoral process and national sovereignty. It comes in response to the controversial statements made by Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, who was defeated in the recent election.
Flavio Bolsonaro released a letter on October 28, in which he initially presented himself as the “true president‑elect.” The document, according to the report, initially carried an emblem depicting the phrase “Estados Unidos do Brazil,” an archaic spelling of the country’s name. In a subsequent revision, the emblem was replaced and the phrase “true president‑elect” was changed to “leader of Brazil.”
The student organizers highlighted that the letter’s claims ran counter to the official results, which declared President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva the winner of the election.
The protest in Salvador followed earlier demonstrations that occurred across several regions of the country on Sunday, as part of a nationwide effort to protect the electoral outcome.
Participants in the Salvador rally chose Morro do Cristo as the starting point, a location symbolically significant for local residents and students alike. They marched in solidarity, calling for respect for the vote and the defense of Brazil’s democratic norms.
According to the National Union of Students, the “Brasil com S” campaign emphasizes the importance of the electorate’s wishes, ensuring that the government reflects the choice of the people and that the integrity of the state is preserved.
Members of the UNE noted that the demonstrators were drawn by the need to safeguard the democratic system against challenges that undermine the election results. They urged citizens across the country to stand together and protect national sovereignty.
While the students continue to highlight the broader political context, the focus of the rally remained on the democratic process and the refusal to accept the false claims made by Senator Flavio Bolsonaro regarding the election outcome.
With the demonstration concluding at the end of the day, the students reiterated their commitment to defend Brazil’s democracy and to keep the electoral system transparent and legitimate.
