Vinicios Betiol stated that Lula could win the second round if the campaign addressed, among other factors, the political influence of mayors. According to him, this influence contributed to the right's advantage in the first round: mayors benefitted by the secret budget mobilized voters in support of congressional candidates. Betiol assessed that this effort could diminish in the second round, after the election of deputies and senators, and advocated that the PT combat what he called "voto de cabresto" (coerced voting), even involving the Federal Police if crimes occurred. Betiol also criticized the campaign's communication and said that Sidônio Palmeira should have been removed after the first round. In his assessment, highlighting the government's actions would not be enough in the face of the spread of false news and manipulations by big techs; the campaign needed an active legal team and more direct communication. He further advocated that the campaign dismantle Flávio's image. The author stated that abstention had been high and that the campaign should mobilize voters disenchanted with politics. According to Betiol, the fear of a Flávio victory could lead them to vote, and the grassroots needed to intensify the search for votes. He concluded that the following days could define the future of democracy, the country's sovereignty, the fight against organized crime, and food security. #Eleições2023 #Lula #Democracia (translated)
