Support for democracy as the best form of government remains largely in the majority in Brazil, with 69% of those interviewed defending the position. In the last two years, however, this index has been falling.
In October 2022, 79% said that democracy was best for the country, the highest rate in the historical series that began in 1989, the year of the first direct presidential election after the end of the military that governed the country from 1964 to 1985.
That year, it is acceptable under certain circumstances, a number that is now 8%, a positive fluctuation within the two percentage point margin of error of the surveys. Those who position themselves as indifferent to the form of government rose from 11% to 17% — the top in the series was in June 2000, with 29%.
Until now, the record of support for the dictatorial option had occurred in September 1992, amidst the turbulence of the process that would lead to the resignation of the elected official in 1989, who was killed by accusations of corruption.
With democracy still being tested, there was an association between the failure of the government and its form for this significant segment of society. Little by little, the scenario changed, with ups and downs over the years.
The lowest levels in this segment and highest among those who support democracy stabilized during the years of (PL), a 1964 apologist who is trying to stage a coup to stay in power.
In office, he relativized some democratic pillars and attacked others, such as the electoral system — so Electoral until 2030. The response from civil society, suggested by research and seen, was the reinforcement of democratic faith that is now seeing a relative loss of steam.
They were unable to say what they think in this survey, carried out on December 12th and 13th with 2,002 voters in 113 municipalities, 6% of those interviewed.
In terms of strata of the Datafolha population sample, men support democracy more (74%) than women (64%). More people with higher education (87%) take up this position than those with less education (56%), as well as the richest (80% among those who earn more than five minimum wages per month) than the poorest (61% of those who have an income of up to 2 minimums).
Despite the current polarization, there are no statistically relevant differences in the opinion about democracy between those who declare themselves Bolsonaro supporters and those who declare themselves PT members.
Datafolha also wanted to know if Brazilians believe in the chance. For 52%, there is no such possibility, while 21% believe there is a small margin for this and 21%, a great possibility.
The indices are similar to the most recent survey, from March this year. Once again, the socioeconomic profiles repeat the trends highlighted in the question about preferred form of government.
On the other hand, the survey shows that a large majority of 68% believe that there was a risk of a coup in the months between Bolsonaro’s defeat to () in the second round of 2022 and the PT member’s inauguration for a third term.
For 43%, the risk was great, while 17% saw a medium danger and 8%, small. 25% do not believe that there was a possibility and 7% did not know how to answer.
