It has been 33 years since Brazil’s military government gave up power and democratic elections were held. And it’s been 30 years since the country returned to democracy after the promulgation of its constitution.

In these three decades, there have been many political ups and downs – including the impeachment of two presidents – but the political process has always observed the constitutional order.

In recent weeks, however, as the new election season heated up, it seems the shadow of the military is creeping back onto the political scene in Brazil. The political polarisation and instability in the country have ushered a period of public “unreason”, similar to the one the United States experienced in 2016 which resulted in the election of Donald Trump.

Full article at Al Jazeera’s website. Date of publication: 03/10/2018