Brazilian voters described as a manipulated mass by populists

Two opinion pieces argue that the Brazilian electorate is largely kept uninformed and used as a "massa de manobra" – a manipulated mass – by populist politicians. The authors contend that limited education and the spread of misinformation enable political leaders to control voters, comparing the dynamic to clientelism. They note that, despite digital advancements, millions of voters remain unaware of their power to appoint officials and fund public services. The pieces also highlight the scale of party funding, stating that nearly 5 billion reais in party funds were spent this year, financed indirectly by voters through taxes embedded in everyday purchases.

The commentary emphasizes the need for individual education and empowerment to break the cycle of dependence on political patronage, likening partisan militancy to fervent football fan bases.