WVRM - Coronelismo

Summary

The video explores the phenomenon of 'coronelismo' in Brazil's electoral history during the Old Republic, highlighting how powerful landowners, known as 'coronels,' controlled elections through manipulation, intimidation, and fraud. These practices, including 'vote by halter' and 'phantom votes,' ensured the coronels' dominance in politics. The script discusses the historical context of clientelism, electoral fraud, and the lack of oversight, emphasizing how the coronels influenced electoral results through corrupt means. Despite modern reforms, clientelism remains an issue in Brazil's political landscape.

Takeaways

• 😀 Coronelismo emerged during Brazil's Old Republic, characterized by powerful agrarian elites controlling elections.
• 😀 The oligarchic republic was dominated by elites, especially coffee producers, who controlled the political landscape.
• 😀 The elites were referred to as 'coronels,' who managed to attract large numbers of voters to back their preferred candidates.
• 😀 Coronels held significant influence in poor, rural regions where people were vulnerable to clientelism.
• 😀 Clientelism involved coronels offering help or promises to poor voters in exchange for votes for elite candidates.
• 😀 When persuasion failed, coronels resorted to intimidation, a practice known as 'vote by halter.'
• 😀 Electoral fraud, such as the 'phantom vote,' was common, where even deceased individuals were made to vote.
• 😀 Poll workers were appointed by local elites to help secure the desired election results.
• 😀 The term 'pen-and-ink elections' refers to the manipulation of election records by coronels after voting.
• 😀 During this period, there were no oversight mechanisms like today's electoral courts, making it easier to manipulate outcomes.
• 😀 The verification process for elections was controlled by members of the same oligarchic powers, ensuring that the system favored the coronels.
• 😀 Although direct electoral manipulation is no longer as prevalent, clientelism still exists in various forms in Brazil's political system.

Q & A

What is 'coronelismo' in Brazilian electoral history?

'Coronelismo' refers to a political system in Brazil during the Old Republic in which local powerful figures, known as 'coronels,' exerted control over elections through clientelism, fraud, and intimidation.

What were the primary characteristics of 'coronelismo'?

'Coronelismo' was characterized by powerful local figures, usually representing agrarian elites, controlling elections through manipulative tactics such as promising favors for votes, intimidation, and electoral fraud.

What were the 'coronels' in the context of Brazilian politics?

The 'coronels' were local political bosses who controlled large numbers of votes by either attracting support through promises or by coercing and intimidating voters into supporting elite candidates.

How did coronels maintain control over elections in Brazil?

Coronels maintained control by creating 'electoral corrals' where they could manipulate and coerce voters into voting for their chosen candidates. In some cases, they would use threats or bribes to ensure votes.

What was clientelism, and how did it relate to coronelismo?

Clientelism was a system where coronels promised poor voters aid or favors in exchange for votes, reinforcing the dominance of the elite and maintaining their control over elections.

What does the term 'vote by halter' refer to?

'Vote by halter' refers to a form of intimidation where coronels would threaten or coerce voters to vote a certain way, often through fear or violence.

What is the meaning of 'fux vote' in Brazilian elections during the Old Republic?

The 'fux vote' refers to electoral fraud where deceased individuals were reported to have cast votes, often as a result of manipulation by coronels and their associates.

Why were election results difficult to trust during the Old Republic?

Election results were difficult to trust because the voting process was often manipulated by local elites, with poll workers appointed by them and fraudulent votes being cast. Additionally, there was a lack of proper oversight mechanisms.

How did the powers verification commission contribute to the election process?

The powers verification commission was responsible for validating elections. However, it was composed of members who were part of the same oligarchies, making it easier for the coronels to manipulate the system if their candidate lost.

How has clientelism continued to affect Brazilian elections today?

While voting is no longer open and overtly manipulated, clientelism persists in various forms, where politicians still use patronage systems or personal favors to secure votes.