[10/04/06] It is now a class vote – in defense of the poor. Brazil's social movements back Lula as 2nd round nears

Brazil’s principal social movements announce their support for Lula, affirm Alckmin is a step backwards

By: Eduardo Sales de Lima
Published: Brasil de Fato, October 4th, 2006

Brazil’s most significant social movements have signaled that they intend to support Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the 2nd round of presidential elections. It is now a class vote – in defense of the poor.

Departing from their position in the run-up to the 1st round, during which a number of the movements did not come out in support of either candidate, now that the election has gone to a 2nd round, and votes must be cast between Lula and Alckmin, for many the position must change.

Of the six major social movements interviewed by Brasil de Fato, the National Conference of Brazilian Bishops (CNBB) is the only one who has not verbalized their open support for Lula. According to a spokesperson for Don Odilo Pedro Scherer, Secretary General of the CNBB, the organization has yet to determine their final position.

In the 1st Round, admits Nalu Faria, of the National Secretary of the World Women’s March (MMM), the movement did not manifest itself in support of either candidate. “Now the situation is different