Brazil voter abstention hits 21.08% in 2026 first round, fifth straight rise

Brazil's first-round 2026 election saw abstention rise to 21.08%, the fifth consecutive increase, with over 33 million voters not casting ballots. This continues a trend from 2022 (20.95%) and approaches the 1998 record (21.49%). The high abstention may signal voter disengagement or dissatisfaction, potentially affecting the legitimacy and outcome of the runoff.