Belém Elections: Igor Normando Leads the Vote

This morning in Belém, the capital of Pará, the atmosphere is buzzing with municipal elections as Igor Normando from the MDB competes against Éder Mauro from PL. Igor Normando, who enjoys substantial support from Governor Élder Barbalho, is currently leading the polls with over 60% of voter intentions. In stark contrast, Éder Mauro, backed by former President Jair Bolsonaro, trails with less than 40%. This election is notably historic because both candidates, despite their legislative backgrounds, have never held the position of mayor before. Notably, the current mayor, Edmilson Rodrigues from PSOL, failed to secure re-election, garnering less than 10% of the votes in the previous election. Additionally, the timing of this election is significant as Belém is set to host COP3, the UN climate change conference in 2024, drawing increased national media attention to the electoral process and the ongoing development projects in the city. Currently, three electronic voting machines have been replaced, and 12 incidents have been reported, but the voting atmosphere remains calm. Igor Normando is expected to arrive at the Jarbas Passarinho polling station around noon to cast his vote, accompanied by the governor. This election result is anticipated not only to shape the future of municipal management but also to influence the broader national political landscape.