Ethos Institute, the Movement to Combat Electoral Corruption and the National Thought of Business Bases launch a document in defense of the democratic process
On the 30th we will have the second round of the Brazilian elections and it is essential that we do not retreat in our permanent defense of democracy. Many public and private organizations, civil society organizations, observation missions and agents of the electoral system have played a fundamental role in guaranteeing the fairness of the entire election process, as well as in encouraging and guaranteeing greater representation and participation in the polls, with rights and freedoms guaranteed in an environment of security.
Defending the democratic process goes beyond the elections themselves. It is the defense of a plural and fair society, aligned with an economy for sustainable development, connected to respond to the challenges we are experiencing, such as environmental issues, climate change and the reduction of historical inequalities. There is no democracy if we do not fight inequalities. Brazil is the 10th largest economy in the world, half of the population is poor, 1/4 live in extreme poverty and 1/3 suffer from food insecurity. In a country where 1% of the population earns almost 40 times more income than the poorest 50% (Continuous PNAD), inequalities are enormous risks for democracy.
In this scenario, companies are important agents of influence in the structural changes in our society, as pointed out by Oded Grajew, one of the main business leaders in Brazil, who works in the engagement of corporate social responsibility, in his article to Folha de S. Paulo.
Democracy does not tolerate electoral harassment within companies and this needs to be fought by democratic business leaders. The Public Ministry of Labor (MPT) recorded increases in cases this year compared to 2018, especially after the first round elections, as reported by José de Lima Ramos Pereira, Attorney General of the MPT.
The fight against fake news It is an important point of attention for companies and their leaders to act in a socially responsible manner. The marketing and advertising sectors need to be careful not to allow their advertisements to appear or help finance websites and other communication vehicles aimed at producing and disseminating false information. Keep the companies' internal public informed about how to report fake news it is fundamental.
With the escalation of attacks on the electoral process, on electronic voting machines and all the other reported problems, we invite society, companies and leaders to make their best efforts and act in a socially responsible manner in defense of democracy and the electoral process.
We hope that in this second round of the 2022 Brazilian elections we will be on the side of the defenders of democracy, supporting and contributing to celebrate the victory of an honest electoral process.
