A political and religious controversy is brewing in Brazil as the country’s patron saint, Our Lady of Aparecida, becomes a flashpoint in the tight presidential race. Allegations that one of the leading candidates may seek to remove the iconic figure’s official status could sway undecided voters ahead of Sunday’s election. With both major rivals locked in a deadlocked contest, the dispute over the statue’s symbolic role has injected fresh tension into the campaign. The debate reflects deeper divisions over national identity and tradition as Brazilians prepare to cast their ballots.
Speculation that Flávio Bolsonaro will try to strip Our Lady of Aparecida of position could become deciding factor in run-up to SundayA row of Biblical proportions has erupted in the run-up to Brazil’s presidential election, with the country’s patron saint, Our Lady of Aparecida, emerging as an unlikely kingmaker in the deadlocked race.Ahead of Sunday’s vote, the two frontrunners – the leftwing president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and his far-right challenger, Flávio Bolsonaro – are level in the polls. Continue reading...
