Brazil Could Experience the Same U.S. Capitol Riot, Says Country's Election Chief

Brazil could face the same incident as the U.S. Capitol riot in 2021 as the Brazil presidential election looms ahead, according to the country's election chief.

Supreme Court Justice Edson Fachin, who is also heading Brazil's Superior Electoral Court, said in a speech that the anti-democratic "regression" witnessed in other countries has already reached Brazil.

WTVB News reported that Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro has repeatedly sown doubt on the country's electronic voting system.

Bolsonaro claimed that it is "vulnerable to fraud" without providing evidence to support his allegations.

The Brazilian president also idolizes former U.S. President Donald Trump, with critics expressing worry that the far-right president may refuse to accept the result if he loses, which could create a way for a U.S. Capitol-like riot in the country.

Fachin noted that the attack on the U.S. Congress by Trump supporters shows a warning "of the possibility of regression that can infiltrate" Brazil's environment.

The elections chief said that it "has unfortunately occurred." He added that Brazil had managed to avoid conflicts over election results due to the country's electronic voting system.

Fachin said in April that "electoral justice is under attack" and that "democracy is threatened."

Brazil Presidential Election

Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has made another bid for a new presidential term, promising to rebuild Brazil under Bolsonaro's administration, which he described as "irresponsible and criminal."

Lula da Silva said in a rally in Sao Paolo that he is ready to work not only to win the election in October but to "rebuild and transform Brazil," according to a France24 News report.

The former president of Brazil said that they need to change Brazil once again, adding that the country needs to return to a place where "no one ever does to defy democracy again."

Lula da Silva led Brazil through an economic boom from 2003 to 2010. He left the office with approval ratings of 87 percent after lifting some 30 million Brazilians from poverty.

However, his legacy was tainted by the issue of "Operation Car Wash," wherein an investigation found a massive corruption plot focused on state-run oil company Petrobras.

Lula da Silva has made centrist Geraldo Alckmin as his running mate. Ackmin was the opponent he defeated in the 2006 presidential race.

U.S. Capitol Riot

Recent developments in the U.S. Capitol riot include five House Republicans having relevant information regarding the U.S. Capitol.

DW News reported that the said House Republicans have all refused to cooperate with the special investigation.

The House committee leading the probe into the January 6 incident has issued subpoenas to five Republican lawmakers, including the current leader of the party of the legislature.

The subpoenas were handed to Republican House leader Kevin McCarthy, with fellow party members Scott Perry, Jim Jordan, Andy Biggs, and Mo Brooks.

McCarthy told the press that he had "not seen a subpoena" and that his opinion of the investigation has not changed since he was asked to cooperate earlier this year.

McCarthy maintained that the House panel is not "conducting a legitimate investigation," and seems to only go after their political opponents.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Brazil's Bolsonaro launches reelection bid, facing stiff challenge from leftist Lula - from FRANCE 24 English