Brazil's evangelicals push politics to the right

Abstract

Still, the fragmented nature of Brazilian politics means that most evangelicals would struggle to implement religious fundamentalist policies. With 35 officially registered parties, representing everything from communism to womens causes, governments are usually made up of broad coalitions that help keep radicalism in check. 'I think the propaganda against Crivella is actually quite biased,' said Marco Aurélio of FGV in Rio, an academic institution. 'Why shouldnt a candidate with an evangelical background govern in Brazil?' In Rio de Janeiro, better known for its city beaches crowded with scantily clad bathers than its deeply Catholic Portuguese past, polls suggest that Mr Crivella is leading with 46 per cent support, compared with 29 per cent for his rival, leftist candidate Marcelo Freixo.