Brazil Records 134 Political Violence Cases in 2026 Election's First Round Amid Calls for Worker Mobilization

During the first round of Brazil's 2026 elections, held from August 16 to October 4, the country witnessed 134 reported cases of political violence, marking a worrying increase compared to the 121 cases recorded in the 2022 first round. The data, compiled by NGOs Terra de Direitos and Justiça Global, highlights a pervasive pattern of threats, insults, physical assaults, and notably, two murders — involving a councilman and a municipal secretary — along with 11 assassination attempts. Approximately 31% of these incidents occurred online, reflecting the digital dimension of electoral violence.

Women were disproportionately targeted, representing over 50% of victims, with 76% of violent actions directed at candidates, mainly women. This aggression disproportionately affects marginalized groups such as women, Black individuals, and transgender people, posing significant barriers to inclusive political participation, according to Glaucia Marinho, executive director of Justiça Global. The highest concentrations of violence were reported in São Paulo, Rio Grande do Norte, Minas Gerais, and Rio Grande do Sul. The period from October 2024 through August 2026 saw a total of 354 politically motivated violent episodes prior to the election campaign.

In response to this climate, on October 8, 2026, the National Federation of Public Health Workers (FENASPS) issued a resolution urging workers and civil society to mobilize against the rise of fascism and extreme right factions. The federation emphasized the critical importance of defending democratic freedoms, workers’ rights, and opposing austerity-driven reforms which threaten labor protections and social benefits. FENASPS called for an active role of unions to promote political awareness and combat the undermining of social movements by extremist forces. The resolution also highlighted the need for continued political education and sustained organization beyond the elections to defend social rights and national sovereignty.

These developments illustrate a tense and violent electoral environment in Brazil, raising serious concerns about the safety of candidates and the integrity of democratic participation. As political violence escalates, civil society and labor organizations are intensifying their efforts to protect democratic spaces and encourage inclusive political engagement.