Influential Gangs Meddle In Politics

July 2008 | Risk Summary

The growing influence of gangs and vigilante groups in Rio de Jainero's favellas (shanty towns) is threatening to undermine the legitimacy of October's municipal elections. Evidence is mounting of gang members coercing voters to back favoured candidates, as criminal groups seek to boost their political influence. Brazil's federal government is growing increasingly concerned about the rising number of incidents of groups intimidating voters, with Brazil's electoral commission cautioning that the issue could spill into a national concern.

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