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Croke Park to host voting for Brazilians in Ireland

More than 7,600 Brazilians living in Ireland turned out to vote in the first round of the election
More than 7,600 Brazilians living in Ireland turned out to vote in the first round of the election

The Brazilian Ambassador to Ireland said the decision to move diaspora voting in the presidential run-off to Croke Park was to ease access, especially for those using public transport on Sunday.

Marcel Biato said it will be a busy day in Dublin with the Dublin City Marathon and also on the eve of Halloween

He said he was also hoping for good weather in Dublin during the event and for another high turnout like the first vote on 2 October.

"The basic reason is the turnout is very high, above average. And so, for comfort and for people to exercise their democratic right, in a more agreeable and safer environment, we thought it was convenient and Croke Park has the infrastructure we require," Mr Biato told RTÉ.

The electronic voting equipment, which has been in storage at the embassy, will be taken to Croke Park this evening and kept there overnight amidst tight security.

More than 7,600 Brazilians living in Ireland turned out for the last vote and both the embassy and those helping to organise the day at Croke Park say it could be even higher this time.

The ambassador said: "We have 12,000 Brazilians registered to vote here and last time we had a very high turnout, roughly 8,000.

"We imagine there will probably be a similar number, because it's a highly contested election, I think people will be even more motivated to vote."

Brazilian Ambassador to Ireland Marcel Biato

Read more: Bolsonarism to leave its mark on Brazil regardless of run-off result


Asked about the divisive nature of this election, Mr Biato said: "I think we can all agree that we live in times of highly polarised debate, not only political but in general.

"I think that what really matters from our point of view is that people are motivated. I think that they were on the average very enthusiastic.

"Sometimes people queued for very long hours, but they were satisfied, they weren't bothered by it and I think that's what really matters, is that people are motivated to vote."

He said he hoped a result would be delivered soon that would allow Brazil to get on with business and move forward.

More than three quarters of Brazilians who voted in Ireland favoured Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, with just 13% backing Jair Bolsonaro in the last vote.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (L) and Jair Bolsonaro

Those watching this election believe Brazil's diaspora vote across the world could even be decisive.

"There are about 700,000 Brazilians living overseas that are eligible to vote on Sunday, that's about 40% more than were registered or eligible four years ago, so it's a big uptick," said Rio de Janeiro-based Irish journalist Sarah O'Sullivan.

"There is this feeling that every vote counts. A lot of Brazilians who live overseas are hugely, emotionally involved in the future of this country and have families that remain here."