Romeu Zema, a presidential pre-candidate for the Novo party, said that voters supporting Flávio Bolsonaro will likely hand the election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The statement highlights a growing rift within Brazil's right-wing coalition. If the conservative vote remains fragmented among multiple candidates, it could diminish the chances of a right-wing victory and clear a path for the left-wing incumbent.
Speaking Monday, May 25, 2026 [1], during the presidential debate cycle in São Paulo, Zema addressed the strategic risks of the current electoral landscape. He linked the potential for a Lula victory to the fragmentation of the right and mentioned broader scandals affecting the Bolsonaro camp.
"Quem está votando no Flávio, muito provavelmente vai estar entregando a eleição para o Lula," Zema said [2].
Zema's comments suggest a push for a more unified conservative front to avoid a split ticket. By positioning Flávio Bolsonaro as a liability to the broader right-wing goal, Zema is attempting to consolidate support behind a more viable alternative to the current administration.
The Novo party candidate emphasized that the priority must be preventing a Lula win. He noted that the current trajectory of the Bolsonaro camp could inadvertently assist the left-wing candidate in securing the presidency.
"Quem votar em Flávio, entrega a eleição para Lula," Zema said [3].
This public critique marks a significant tension between the established Bolsonaro political machine and the Novo party's approach to the upcoming election cycle. Zema argues that the electoral math requires a strategic shift away from the Bolsonaro family to remain competitive.
“"Quem está votando no Flávio, muito provavelmente vai estar entregando a eleição para o Lula."”
Zema's rhetoric reflects a strategic attempt to pivot the right-wing base away from the Bolsonaro dynasty and toward the Novo party. By framing Flávio Bolsonaro as a 'spoiler' candidate, Zema is leveraging the fear of a Lula victory to justify a consolidation of conservative votes under his own leadership, signaling a potential shift in the power dynamics of Brazil's right.
