In December 1989, Brazil held a pivotal runoff election, resulting in Fernando Collor de Mello defeating Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This election marked a historic moment as it was the first democratic presidential election since a military coup in 1964, which had led to nearly 30 years of authoritarian rule. The two-round system, implemented to ensure that a majority elected the president, saw Collor secure approximately 53% of the vote against Lula's 47% in a campaign that was heavily charged and revealing of Brazil's social divisions. Collor's platform emphasized economic reform and an end to inflation, resonating particularly with the middle classes yearning for change and modernization.The campaign was characterized by intense media coverage and public debates, with both candidates presenting starkly different visions for the country's future. Collor's image as a young and dynamic leader appealed to a populace ready for reform, while Lula’s focus on workers' rights and social justice garnered significant support, particularly among the working class. The vibrancy of democracy was palpable, as Brazilians flocked to polling stations, eager to express their political will after years of repression. Collor's victory was viewed as a win for neoliberal policies and indicated a departure from the social movements that had characterized previous decades.Collor's administration, however, would later face challenges, including accusations of corruption and economic mismanagement, leading to his eventual impeachment in 1992. The election itself, nonetheless, was a landmark event in Brazilian history, symbolizing the transition to a democratic regime and the populace's aspiration for political participation and reform, setting a precedent for future democratic elections in Brazil.