Brazilian Support for Democracy Reaches Record Satisfaction Levels
New survey data shows 48% of Brazilians are satisfied with current democratic governance.
1Democratic Support Remains Strong
A recent Quaest survey reveals that 65% of Brazilians prefer democracy over any other form of government. While 9% suggest a dictatorship could be preferable under certain circumstances, 11% remain indifferent. The study, conducted between October 30 and November 2, 2026, reflects a clear national preference for democratic institutions.
2Historic Satisfaction Milestone
For the first time since 2014, satisfaction with democracy has surpassed dissatisfaction, reaching 48% against 46%. This marks the highest level of approval recorded since 2002. Historical comparisons highlight a dramatic shift, as only 12% of respondents expressed satisfaction in 2018, compared to 80% who were then deeply dissatisfied.
3Education and Income Disparities
Support for democracy correlates strongly with socioeconomic status. Among citizens with higher education, 86% favor democracy, while this figure drops to 54% for those with only primary education. Similarly, individuals earning over five minimum wages show 73% support, whereas those earning up to two minimum wages report 55% support.
4Regional Satisfaction Variations
Regional divides remain prominent in public sentiment. In the Northeast, 61% of residents report satisfaction with the democratic system, while 33% are dissatisfied. Conversely, the South shows a starkly different trend, with 61% expressing dissatisfaction and only 36% reporting satisfaction. These figures illustrate significant geographical differences in political perception.
5Age and Demographic Trends
Younger voters aged 16 to 34 show the lowest preference for democracy at 61%, with 12% admitting openness to dictatorship. In contrast, those aged 60 and older show higher democratic support at 68%. Gender differences are minimal, with 68% of men and 64% of women preferring the democratic model.
6Religious Affiliation Impacts
Political satisfaction varies significantly by religious group. Catholics report a 53% satisfaction rate with the current democratic functioning, while 41% remain dissatisfied. Among Evangelicals, the sentiment is reversed, with 38% expressing satisfaction and 57% reporting dissatisfaction. These findings underscore the influence of religious identity on perceptions of national governance.
7Methodological Context and Data
The survey included 2,004 face-to-face household interviews with voters aged 16 and older. It maintains a 2 percentage point margin of error with a 95% confidence level. Historical data from 2002 to 2022 was integrated from the Brazilian Electoral Study to provide a long-term perspective on these shifting political trends.
8Future Political Outlook
The data suggests a recovery in public trust compared to the 2018 and 2022 election cycles. While satisfaction has reached a historic high, the persistence of dissatisfaction among specific demographics and regions indicates that democratic consolidation remains a complex, ongoing process influenced by diverse economic and social factors nationwide.
Original article: G1 – Política — Brazilian Support for Democracy Reaches Record Satisfaction Levels