Cuban activist and lawyer Manuel Viera, known for his online presence as Manuel Viera Porelcambio, made a public call on Monday for the acceptance of Lula da Silva's presidential victory in Brazil. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing democracy over political fanaticism, despite acknowledging that Lula was not his personal choice for president.
Viera has been residing in Brazil since January 2026 after being compelled to leave Cuba due to pressure from the State Security. He witnessed the historic electoral day on October 25 when Lula achieved a remarkable comeback, securing 51.79% of the votes against Flávio Bolsonaro's 48.21%, a margin of over 4.4 million votes.
“Lula might not have been my candidate, but he's led this nation three times. He's not a communist but rather a peculiar left-leaning capitalist, facing checks from a Senate and Congress dominated by the right from the first round,” Viera expressed on Facebook.
The Cuban activist countered claims of fraud made by Bolsonaro supporters regarding the two-hour extension of voting hours. He pointed out that both parties, Lula's PT in the northeast and Bolsonaro's PL in the south, had requested this extension.
“Extending voting by two hours cannot be a cause to question transparency. It was a request from both parties,” Viera asserted, adding that the measure equally benefited both sides.
Viera criticized those who challenge the election results from abroad without understanding Brazil's realities: “Speaking carelessly from the United States or Europe out of sheer anger disrespects this great nation and the majority vote of its people.”
The Democratic Process in Brazil
To Viera, Brazil stands as a “global power, not a banana republic,” a democratic state governed by the rule of law, with a diverse population whose discipline he admires.
As a Cuban migrant, Viera cannot vote in Brazilian elections but lived the electoral process closely, working alongside the people of his host country.
His reflections also projected hope for Cuba: “I am very happy because, for the first time in my life, I witnessed democracy working as I wish for the island I hold dear. It works! And its results should be respected, no matter the winner.”
In a follow-up message, Viera was equally firm: “I don't defend right- or left-wing dictatorships because they are the same trash. I defend the proper functioning of the state and electoral power based on the popular vote.”
Warnings Against Extremism
Viera also highlighted the dangers of extremism on both ends of the political spectrum, equating the refusal to acknowledge electoral results with other assaults on democracy: “Democracy is not only violated by a cruel dictatorship established for 67 years on a Caribbean island [...] It's also violated when supporters are called to revolt against electoral results and seize state powers by force.”
Viera relocated to Brazil after selling his properties to fund his migration, motivated by political rather than economic reasons. He has since reunited with his wife and daughter, who work and study in Brazil. He is employed as a warehouse manager in a market.
His situation is part of a broader trend: nearly 17,000 Cubans sought asylum in Brazil between January and May 2026, and in 2025, 41,919 Cuban applications were submitted, marking an 88% increase from the previous year, making Cubans the largest nationality seeking refuge in the country.
Flávio Bolsonaro, meanwhile, rejected the election outcome and announced plans to seek annulment, questioning the extension ordered by magistrate Cristiano Zanin, Lula's former personal attorney. The Electoral Court has called for respecting the result. Lula's new term is set to begin on January 5, 2027.
Viera concluded his reflections with a clear message that drives his activism from exile: “For a democratic, free, prosperous Cuba without dictatorships.”
Key Questions About Brazil's Election and Cuban Migration
Why does Manuel Viera support respecting Lula's victory?
Manuel Viera supports respecting Lula's victory to prioritize democracy over political fanaticism, despite Lula not being his preferred candidate. He believes in respecting the democratic process and its outcomes.
What was the reason for the voting extension in Brazil's election?
The two-hour voting extension during Brazil's election was requested by both Lula's PT in the northeast and Bolsonaro's PL in the south, aiming to benefit both parties equally.
How has Cuban migration to Brazil changed recently?
Cuban migration to Brazil has significantly increased, with nearly 17,000 Cubans seeking asylum between January and May 2026 and over 41,919 applications in 2025, an 88% rise from the previous year.