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Brazilians to have free transport on election runoff day Sunday

The decision was made by the Supreme Court
Marcelo Brandão
Published on 28/10/2022 - 14:00
Brasília
BANNER ENG elections 2022
© Agência Brasil

All Brazilian capitals plus the Federal District will have a special scheme with zero-fare public transportation next Sunday (Oct. 30), when the second round of the elections for president—as well as for governor in 12 states—will be held.

Last week, a majority of Supreme Court justices confirmed the decision of Justice Luis Roberto Barroso, who allowed free public transportation on the day of the runoff. Under his ruling, mayors who decide for free transportation will not be held liable for administrative misconduct or electoral crimes.

The move, an initiative of political party Rede Sustentabilidade, is aimed at helping electors head for the polls, as voting is mandatory in Brazil. A high number of citizens cannot afford the fare to their polling place, which can often be more expensive than the fine for not casting a ballot—BRL 3.51—the party argued. The measure also seeks to lower voter abstention.

In the first round, when only 12 capitals had zero-fare transportation, abstention stood at 20.89 percent—some 32.7 million people.

This week, the electoral court authorized the cities to offer special lines to long-distance locations with extra school buses. Also, transport services must not be reduced in places where they are already offered, as this could be deemed an electoral crime.