Gilberto Kassab, president of the Partido Social Democrático (PSD), said a 15% [1] vote share for Ronaldo Caiado would be a great result.
This positioning signals the PSD's strategy to establish a viable third-party presence in the presidential race. By distancing itself from the dominant political poles, the party seeks to leverage a candidate with a clean record to attract moderate voters.
Kassab made the remarks during the Lisbon Forum, where he discussed the party's criteria for its presidential ticket. He said that the party requires a candidate who is not embroiled in controversy or legal disputes. "It is important to have a candidate who does not have problems," Kassab said.
The PSD leader indicated that achieving a 15% [1] share of the vote for Caiado would be satisfactory for the party's goals. This target suggests a strategy focused on influence and negotiation power rather than an immediate landslide victory.
Eduardo Leite, another political figure, noted that Kassab has been explicit about the party's neutrality regarding the primary political rivals in Brazil. Leite said that the party will not align with either Lula or Bolsonaro.
The comments come as the PSD evaluates its positioning for the upcoming election cycle. The party's focus on a "problem-free" candidate reflects a broader effort to present a stable alternative to the electorate, one that avoids the legal baggage associated with other high-profile politicians.
“"It is important to have a candidate who does not have problems."”
The PSD is positioning itself as a centrist alternative by prioritizing a 'clean' image over aggressive growth. By setting a modest target of 15%, the party is likely aiming to become a critical swing factor in the electoral process, allowing it to negotiate from a position of stability rather than ideology.
