Brazilian voters express reluctance to support candidates missing debates

A Quaest poll conducted between August 30 and September 1 indicates that 37% of Brazilian voters express a desire to vote less for candidates who miss televised debates. The study, which surveyed over 2,000 people, highlights that the impact of such absences is most significant among independent voters who do not align with the left or right. Within this group, 45% stated they would be less likely to vote for absent candidates, while 50% said absences would not influence their decision.

Demographic analysis shows that women and voters with higher education levels are more negatively affected by candidate absences. Among women, 39% reject those who miss debates, compared to 35% of men. Younger voters aged 16 to 34 also show higher rejection rates at 46%, whereas 63% of voters over 60 claim absences do not affect their vote.

The survey notes that supporters of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro tend to be less influenced by these absences. Both candidates missed the first presidential debate in August and have not confirmed participation for the upcoming debate on September 14. In parallel voting intention data, Lula holds 37%, Flávio Bolsonaro holds 31%, and Augusto Cury holds 10%.