Batman For President…Of Brazil?

September 19, 2012 in Daily Bulletin, Signature

In Brazil you can go to your local election booth and vote for The Dark Knight. Confused? Simon Romero explained:

  • In Brazil candidates are allowed to go by their nicknames on the ballot.
  • This has led to a string of politicians attempting to capitalize on their looks. One candidate came to be known as wolverine due to his sideburns and big build. On the campaign trail he now wears metal talons and uses slogans such as “vote for the guy who has claws.”
  • There are five Batmans running, 16 Obamas, and a Ladi Gaga (sic) among others.
  • Others are more descriptive. One candidate runs as: “National Institute of Social Security’s Defender of the People.”
  • Candidates use these names to create memorable campaigns in the hopes of standing out on the ballot.

Read more about the other names that people have adopted, Brazil’s more relaxed approach to elections, and what campaign strategists have to say about the practice over here.

Source: The New York Times