Djamila Ribeiro Says She Will Vote for Lula, Defends the Role of Criticism in Political Life

In an Instagram post, the Brazilian philosopher rejects unconditional political support and argues for independent thinking when making electoral choices

Djamila Ribeiro says she will vote for Lula once again in the presidential runoff election scheduled for October 25. In an Instagram post, the philosopher said her decision does not amount to unconditional support but reflects a choice grounded in “reality, with its contradictions, its limitations, and its consequences.”

Read her full statement below:

“I’m Voting 13*

I have always spoken out, not just during election campaigns, but in my everyday life and through my work. My roots are in social movements.

I have many criticisms of the Lula administration. I have voiced them publicly, and I know many people feel the same way. Those are the people I want to address. There is no need to hide those criticisms, downplay them, or pretend that our disappointments do not exist in order to justify a political position.

We do not have to be fans of politicians or embrace a cheerleading mentality, the kind of election-season hype that treats every criticism as heresy and every move the government makes as cause for celebration. That is not how I approach politics, nor is it how I understand public life.

But there is one thing I have learned: politics is not about choosing between ideal options. It takes place in the real world, with all its contradictions, limitations, and consequences.

Lula is not above criticism. Supporting Lula does not mean we have to turn a blind eye, bite our tongues, or let someone else think for us.

Supporting someone does not mean approving of everything. It means recognizing that, given the alternatives before us, there is a choice to be made, and that choosing not to make it also has consequences.

That is why, despite all my criticisms, I support Lula. Without manufactured enthusiasm, and without forgetting what I disagree with, what troubles me, or what I believe should have been done differently.

Among people who share so many concerns about our country, it is worth having an honest conversation about what divides us, but also about what is at stake.

We do not have to become fervent campaigners, repeat slogans, or applaud everything to know where we stand.

I remain critical and demanding. I still believe Lula and his administration must be held accountable. And it is with all of that intact that I am, once again, voting for Lula.

To those who, like me, have criticisms, reservations, and doubts, but understand that this is a decisive moment, I extend an invitation: let us stand together, without pretending we agree on everything, without giving up our critical thinking, and without demanding from one another an enthusiasm we simply do not feel.

There are many ways to show support, and none of them requires us to surrender our conscience or abandon our vision for Brazil.”

*13 is Lula’s ballot number.

Translated by AI