The Once and Future President? Lula Continues to Lead Polls in Brazil, Despite Smear Campaign

Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva leads the polls for the 2018 presidential race, suggesting that the right wing's undemocratic return to power could be short-lived.

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According to the polling firm Vox Populi, Lula has up to 45 percent of support, against the 35 percent that all other possible candidates have together.

If the elections were held today Lula, from the Workers' Party, would be the next president of Brazil, based on data collected from 118 municipalities across the country.

In a second round simulations, Lula also wins against Neves by 50 to 17 percent, against Geraldo Alckmin (PSDB-SP) by 51 to 17 percent, Marina Silva (Rede-AC) with 49 to 19 percent and Joao Doria (PSDB-SP) with 53 to 16 percent.

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Lula has criticized the much maligned media in Brazil for consistently accusing him of corruption and fraud without any evidence and creating a “climate of guilt” around him.

Vox Populi also polled public perception of the former president, reporting that 66 percent consider him hard-working, 64 percent think he is a leader and a good politican, 58 percent consider him a good administrator and competent, 58 percent think he can deal with a crisis, 57 percent believe he cares about people's problems, and 45 percent believe he is sincere and credible.

When polled about who is the best president of Brazil, once again Lula came out on top with 50 percent, while his nearest challenger, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, received only 11 percent.