Agenda of change
Opinion polls conducted following last year’s wave of protests against World Cup spending, corruption and poor public services suggested Ms Silva was the only politician whose image had benefitted from the unrest.
Political scientist David Fleischer of the University of Brasilia says she appeals to the younger generation and those who want change.
“Those who took to the streets saying they didn’t feel represented by Brazil’s political system were still undecided, and now many will choose to vote for her”, he says.
However, some of those critical of the bigger establishment parties are also uneasy about Ms Silva’s devout religious views, fearing she is too conservative on social issues such as gay marriage and abortion.
Even though the protests have diminished, her supporters believe there is still a yearning for change.
They hope that the desire for change along with the emotional circumstances of her selection will result in a powerful boost to her campaign just weeks ahead of the election. (BBC)[eap_ad_3]