Democracy means being able to choose and replace those in power through the vote. On January 8, 2023, the buildings of the three branches of government were invaded and vandalized; in September 2025, the Supreme Court convicted Bolsonaro and allies for the coup plot.
With the left
Election results are respected and institutions work. Electronic voting machines, audited at every election, are defended for what they are: secure.
With the far right
For years, the voting system was attacked without evidence; in 2023, the electoral court barred Bolsonaro from office for attacking it before foreign ambassadors. On January 8, 2023, the buildings of Congress, the presidential palace and the Supreme Court were invaded and vandalized. In September 2025, the Supreme Court convicted the leaders of the coup plot, including the former president, sentenced to 27 years and 3 months.
What is at stake
Without democracy, none of the other rights on this site is guaranteed. The vote is what makes it possible to change everything that is wrong.
It made the news
Not opinion: the press recorded it. Stories showing what the far right did or tried to do on this issue.
- Trama golpista: STF condena Bolsonaro a 27 anos e 3 meses de prisãoThe Supreme Court sentenced Bolsonaro to 27 years and 3 months for attempting a coup.Read the story
- STF condena Bolsonaro a 27 anos e 3 meses de prisão em regime fechado por tentativa de golpe de EstadoDetails Bolsonaro's conviction as leader of the coup plot.Read the story
- TSE torna Bolsonaro inelegível até 2030 por abuso de poder político em reunião com embaixadoresThe TSE made Bolsonaro ineligible for attacking voting machines at the meeting with ambassadors.Read the story
Sources
Where the data on this page comes from.
- Agência Brasil
The Supreme Court sentences Bolsonaro to 27 years and 3 months for the coup plot.
- STF
Conclusion of the trial of the defendants who planned the coup.
- TSE
The electoral court bars Bolsonaro from office for attacking the voting system before ambassadors.