The
forthcoming presidential elections in Brazil, scheduled for 5 October with a
second round taking place on 26th, if necessary, should be studied
with great attention by those who are particularly interested in leadership
issues.
Dilma Rousseff, the incumbent, is in a tight
battle against Marina Silva, an opposition candidate that might bring together
the social-democrats and the centre-right. Actually, in the current Brazilian
spectrum, it is not easy to talk about left and right politics as the main
candidates have founded their campaigns on broad alliances that cover a good
number of parties and movements. But that´s not my point at present. The point
is about the personalities and the way the two leading ladies conduct their
election campaigns. They have two different styles, both very remarkable. There
is a lot to be learned from them in terms of political leadership in a huge and
very diverse country.
DIlma
has against her the fact that her party has been in power for 12 years and that
many would like to see a change of direction in the way politics are conducted.
The events of the last 14 months, with mass demonstrations and many opposing
the way public money has been spent on prestige projects, or embezzled by
corrupt individuals in positions of power, run against Dilma´s re-election. She
has however many positive trump cards. Would they be enough? Would they be
played in the appropriate manner?
Marina,
on the other side, represents a bit of fresh air, but with many contradictions
in terms of her political positions. She projects however a more caring image
and that plays in her favour. It also plays for her the fact that she comes
from very humble roots and the simplicity of her discourse. She might be the
next president of Brazil.
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