Globo debate stirs expectations ahead of first round

As the date of the final presidential debate before the first round approaches, the electorate's attention turns to Globo's broadcast, scheduled for Thursday, October 1st, at 10 p.m. The event concludes the series of meetings promoted by various media outlets and promises to be decisive in the electoral race.

Date, time, and format of Globo's broadcast

The debate will be hosted by Globo, the network responsible for the final encounter among candidates for the Presidency of the Republic prior to the first round. The broadcast will take place during prime time at 10 p.m. and will be aired simultaneously on open TV, pay-TV, and the network's digital platforms, expanding its reach to audiences nationwide.

Absence of prominent names and candidate strategy

Some of the candidates leading in the polls—Lula (PT), Flávio Bolsonaro (PL), and Romeu Zema (Novo)—have decided not to participate in the debate. According to political scientist Karla Gobo, from ESPM, this choice can be explained by the lack of incentives for exposure and the risk of becoming targets for opponents. She points out that, while understandable from a strategic standpoint, the absence does not contribute positively to democracy.

Experts assess the impact of the empty podiums

Leandro Consentino, a professor at Insper, states that participating in debates is a democratic duty, as it allows voters to learn about proposals and confront contradictions. For Hilton Fernandes, from FESPSP, the effect of debates diminishes when candidates are already well-known, but non-participation can be perceived as weakness or a lack of substance, exposing the candidate to potential traps.

Consequences for the electoral campaign

The hollowing out of the debate may reduce voter interest, since the presence of the main contenders usually generates higher viewership. However, smaller candidates can use the moment to gain visibility, taking advantage of the exposure time left when the front-runners are absent.

Outlook for the Brazilian voter

For democracy, the presence of candidates in debates is essential so that the public can evaluate proposals and stances. Even with the absence of some names, the Globo debate still offers a public space where ideas are confronted, contributing to opinion formation prior to the vote.

With information from VEJA, O POVO+, Terra.