Baku, February 2, AZERTAC

Both candidates supported by Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro for speakers of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies emerged victorious in a secret election held Monday night, according to Anadolu Agency.

The victories of Senator Rodrigo Pacheco and Congressman Arthur Lira strengthen the position of the country’s far-right leader at a time when society is convulsing, with many asking for Bolsonaro to be impeached. It also comes as Brazil has over 225,000 COVID-19 deaths and a messy vaccination plan.

Both were elected for a two-year term.

Lira was elected to the Lower House by an overwhelming 302-145 vote. He has shown resistance to accepting an impeachment process against Bolsonaro and to kick off an inquiry on the federal administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hours earlier, the Senate voted 57-21 to elect Senator Pacheco, who succeeds Davi Alcolumbre. Alcolumbre himself engaged in articulating support and votes. Pacheco’s campaign had the support even from the opposition, such as the Workers' Party (PT). He defended the importance of the Senate's independence from other branches, although the federal government also acted to strengthen his campaign.

His most direct competitor, Senator Simone Tebet, lost strength in the final stretch of the campaign, mainly after her own party split.