PSOL-Rede convention sees last-minute disputes over Marina Silva's running mate

A state convention for Brazil's PSOL-Rede political federation concluded Sunday, marked by internal disagreements concerning the selection of running mates for Senate candidate Marina Silva. The meeting, intended to finalize candidates for the upcoming election, experienced delays due to disputes involving PSOL, Rede, and the PDT.

The core of the conflict lies in the designation of alternates for Marina Silva, who is leading in polls for a Senate seat in São Paulo. Silva is part of a broader coalition that includes Fernando Haddad (PT) and Márcio França (PSB) for the governorship, with Silva seeking a Senate position. The issue is compounded by the possibility of Silva and Simone Tebet (PSB) assuming ministerial roles in a potential Lula administration, creating a complex negotiation over who should fill the alternate positions.

Despite initial plans for the convention to precede a political rally, an impasse between the parties pushed the candidate selection process to occur after the main speeches. The PSOL's choice for Silva's first alternate, councilman Djalma Nery, has reportedly caused dissatisfaction within the PDT. The PDT, which had pledged support to the left-wing coalition in São Paulo, expressed feeling "humiliated" and indicated a willingness to present its own candidates, signaling ongoing friction.

Adding to the convention's notable events was the absence of key PSOL figures Guilherme Boulos and Erika Hilton. Boulos was attending presidential engagements in Brasília, while Hilton's office did not immediately respond to inquiries. Marina Silva addressed the absences, stating that while it's ideal for all leaders to be present, political engagement remains strong.

Parties and federations have until August 5 to finalize candidate choices and coalition agreements. Discussions within the PSOL-Rede federation are expected to continue, with the possibility of further debate surrounding the alternate positions.

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Obviously, it would be great if we could all be everywhere, but we don't have the gift of omnipresence, so political presence, which is certainly here, is what counts.