Doug wrote:
>>
>>> Alberto, what's your take on the presidential elections
>>> down there?
>>
>> I think Serra will win. I said so 6 months ago, when he
>> was pooled in 4th, and I still believe it - now he is 2nd.
>
> What if Lula wins?
>
This is a possibility. But I still think it's
improbable.
> He and the 3rd leading candidate are described as
> left leaning, if there is a runoff who would have
> the advantage?
>
:-)))))))))))) Ciro Gomes, left leaning?
> I can't find much news about the election, but a recent
> poll showed Lula with 39% over Serra's 19%,
>
And now Lula is with 43%, and Serra with 19%.
> has Serra gained more ground?
>
No. But the elections for the executive have two turns.
So, there is still a long way to settle this. The problem
with Lula is simple: the _rejection_ to him is bigger
than those that like him. So, he may even score 49.0%
in the first turn, and then lose in the 2nd with 49.5%.
[this happened in Portugal a few years ago]
> Do you know of
> any decent English language news sources?
>
No
>
> Did you tell us at one point that you are able to
> vote via the net?
>
No!!! The voting machines are 100% electronic, but
still have to move myself physically to the location
of my voting place [which is _far_ from home :-/]
> I read that voting is mandatory for literate citizens
> between 18 and 70 years old,
>
Yep.
> that 16 and 17 year olds can also vote,
>
Yep.
> but illiterates and conscripts of all people can not.
>
No. Both illiterates and conscripts can vote.
> Conscripts? Do you have mandatory military service
>
Yes :-(
Alberto Monteiro
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