Former president José Sarney votes in São Luís and highlights democratic participation in Maranhão

Former President of the Republic José Sarney voted this Sunday (4) in São Luís. He arrived at Escola Desembargador Sarney Costa, in the São Francisco neighborhood, at around 12 pm, accompanied by his grandson Adriano Sarney, secretary Aparício, the driver and people who work with him.

Before voting, Sarney greeted the poll workers at the polling station and went to the voting booth. After voting, he said he was moved by the movement of voters and highlighted the participation of people from Maranhão in the elections.

“I am very moved and, at the same time, very satisfied when I see the democratic celebration that Brazil is experiencing,” he said.

Sarney also recalled the period in which he held the Presidency of the Republic and stated that, during his government, direct elections were instituted for president, governor, mayor and other positions. According to him, before that, the president was chosen by the National Congress and governors by state assemblies.

José Sarney — Photo: Reproduction/ TV Mirante

“So, from that moment on, on my initiative, we had this democratic party which is the call of the people to elect their representatives”, he stated.

When commenting on the vote in Maranhão, the former president said he was satisfied with the number of people there and highlighted the turnout of voters in the state.

"And today here I have the immense satisfaction of seeing this group of people voting in Maranhão, an absolute tranquility. And Maranhão has always had a great electoral presence", he said.