As Brazil gears up for its municipal elections, the nation is abuzz with anticipation and a flurry of activities. More than 460,000 candidates vie for the favor of over 155 million eligible voters across approximately 5,570 municipalities. The elections, scheduled for this Sunday, mark a significant moment, as all cities will open and close their voting at the same time, following Brasília's official time. The race is particularly fierce in cities with more than 200,000 registered voters, where a second round might be necessary if no candidate achieves an absolute majority. The electoral law is stringent, prohibiting any disorder that may disrupt the voting process, such as the notorious practice of scattering campaign leaflets, known as "santinhos," which is considered a criminal offense. Candidates found guilty of this can face detention or community service and hefty fines.

In São Paulo, the campaign trail has been particularly dramatic, with a notable incident involving José Luiz Datena, who reportedly threw a chair at Pablo Marçal during a heated debate. This event has underscored the intense competition among candidates like Guilherme Boulos, Pablo Marçal, and incumbent mayor Ricardo Nunes, who are neck and neck in the polls. Meanwhile, in Curitiba, approximately 1.42 million voters are expected to cast their votes, with candidates presenting varied proposals on health, climate change, and security. Across other Brazilian capitals, electoral surveys reveal ...

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