1966 Brazilian presidential election

Indirect presidential elections were held in Brazil on 3 October 1966 through an electoral college system. It was the second election during the Brazilian military government, with Artur da Costa e Silva as the sole candidate. Costa e Silva was elected with 295 votes from the ruling National Renewal Alliance Party (ARENA).[1]

1966 Brazilian presidential election

3 October 1966

Candidate Artur da Costa e Silva Party ARENA Home state Rio Grande do Sul Running mate Pedro Aleixo Electoral vote 294 Percentage 100%

President before election Castelo Branco ARENA Elected President Artur da Costa e Silva ARENA

Background

During the rule of Castelo Branco, several Institutional Acts were amended, increasing the power of military regime.[2] The elections scheduled for 1965 were delayed to 1966.

The elections were the first after various changes in domestic politics. Following various cessations of political rights, Juscelino Kubitschek, Adhemar de Barros, Carlos Lacerda and Jânio Quadros, the main political leaders, were deposed after allegations of conspiracy and corruption. Once again, the National Congress of Brazil elected the president. The vice-presidential candidacy was linked with the candidacy of the presidency. Only two political parties were legal at the time. However, the opposition party did not put forward a candidate.[3]

Results

Candidate	Vice-Presidential candidate	Party	Total
Artur da Costa e Silva	Pedro Aleixo	National Renewal Alliance	295
Abstentions			41
Did not vote			136
Source: Folha de S.Paulo[1]

References

1. "Costa e Silva já está eleito" [Costa e Silva already elected]. Folha de S.Paulo (in Portuguese). São Paulo. Folha. 4 October 1966. p. 1.
2. https://super.abril.com.br/especiais/21-mitos-sobre-a-ditadura-militar/
3. https://www.infoescola.com/historia/alianca-renovadora-nacional-arena/