Indigenous candidates elected mayors in seven cities

Candidates who declared themselves as members of indigenous ethnic groups were elected mayors in seven Brazilian municipalities in the first round of municipal elections held last Sunday (Oct. 6). 

In Brazil's North Region, the following candidates were elected: Egmar Curubinha (Workers' Party-PT) from the Tatar ethnic group in São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Amazonas; Dr. Raposo (Progressive Party-PP) from the Makuxí ethnic group in Normandia, Roraima; and Tuaua Benísio (Rede), also from the Makuxí ethnic group, in Uiramutã, Roraima.

The towns of São João das Missões and Manga in Minas Gerais also elected indigenous mayors, both from the Xacriabá ethnic group. Jair Xakriabá (Republicans) was elected in São João das Missões, while Anastácio Guedes (Workers' Party-PT) won in Manga.

In Marcação, Paraíba, the only indigenous Woman elected mayor was Ninha (Social Democratic Party-PSD), representing the Potiguar ethnic group.

In Pesqueira, Pernambuco, indigenous chief Marcos (Republicans), representing the Xucuru ethnic group, emerged victorious.

City councilors

Data from the Brazilian Superior Electoral Court indicate that 214 indigenous individuals were elected as city councilors, comprising 180 men and 34 women.