OCTOBER 7, 2004

Politics in Brazil

The political landscape in Sao Paulo, Brazil is changing at the moment with elections going on for the job of mayor. The current incumbent Marta Suplicy (Labour) finished second behind the social democrat Jose Serra, who enjoyed 43.5% of the vote, compared to Suplicy's 35.8%. Third place went to former incumbent Paulo Maluf who is now eliminated. His votes are expected to go largely to Serra when the second round of voting takes place on October 31, so the campaigns will be in full swing when F1 goes to town. The event is already a political hot potato with attempts having been made in recent times to stop the event because it was judged to be a waste of public money.

Rio de Janeiro is believed to have a rival bid in for the race in the long term.