Survey Shows 16% of Brazilians Reject Democracy Amid Upcoming Elections

A recent Datafolha survey conducted from October 13 to 14, 2026, reveals a significant portion of the Brazilian electorate questions the nature of their political system, with 16% of voters stating Brazil is not a democracy. Among the 2,520 participants aged 16 and older, half perceive Brazil as a democracy plagued by serious problems, 23% believe only minor issues exist, and a mere 7% regard the country as a fully functioning democracy.

The survey further highlights stark partisan divides. Supporters of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro demonstrate greater distrust, with 23% denying Brazil’s democratic status and only 2% affirming it as a full democracy. Meanwhile, among President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s supporters, 8% reject the democratic label and 12% see the country as fully democratic. The margin of error in the survey is 2 percentage points, ensuring high confidence in the findings.

These perceptions emerge in the context of Brazil’s approaching elections, a period marked by intense political engagement and media coverage. Various outlets such as Jornal do Carro and TecMundo emphasize the importance of voter participation and informed political discourse ahead of the polls. While some misinformation regarding electoral irregularities continues to circulate, as noted in media reports, the electorate’s engagement remains critical to shaping Brazil’s future.

Funded by private resources at a cost of approximately R$ 384,552.00, the Datafolha survey provides a rigorous snapshot of Brazil’s democratic health as viewed by its citizens. It underscores a profound ambivalence toward democracy that may influence voter behavior and political dynamics during the forthcoming election cycle.