Brazilian Milieu

Starting in 1978, Brazil embarked on a gradual process of democratization, known as the abertura política [political opening period], as it prepared for its first direct elections after nearly two decades of military dictatorship. The initial step toward democracy occurred in 1982 with the nation’s first free parliamentary election, followed by an indirect presidential election in 1985. During this crucial period, the Diretas Já [Direct Elections Now] movement played a significant role in driving the country’s redemocratization process. This process reached its pinnacle in 1985 with the restoration of civilian governance, the ratification of a new federal Constitution in 1988, and the landmark direct presidential election in 1989.