Brazil gov’t rules out fraud, praises electronic voting
In a statement made today (Oct. 23), General Sergio Etchegoyen, head of the Brazilian government’s Institutional Security Cabinet, said that the country’s electronic voting system represents a stride in the process of choosing elected authorities, and ruled out any fraud possibilities in the elections.
He said the has observed the work of auditors and attended meetings with electoral authorities, stating that “there hasn’t been any evidence of rigged voting machines,” he said during an address delivered at the São Paulo Housing Union.
Etchegoyen warned that Brazil experienced systemic crises, and argued that “no country can stand without strong, reliable institutions.” Whoever wins the presidential race, he went on to say, will have to find “a common ground” in order to follow through with the overhauls crucial for the development of the country.
He noted, however, that, despite all adversities, Brazil remains among the world’s top ten economies. “Let’s hope we don’t see any setback in this position,” he declared.
In his view, voters have become more mature, “which can be seen in the outcome of the first round, when veteran politicians failed to be re-elected.” Those who did manage to be elected, he pointed out, will have to show more responsibility in their administration.
