The Stream

Brazil election split causes hashtag battle

Re-election of President Dilma Rousseff reveals regional divide.

Electoral excitement and disappointment rippled through Twitter on Sunday as Brazilians weighed in on the narrow presidential re-election victory of Dilma Rousseff.

Rousseff captured 51.6 per cent of the vote, taking the popular vote in northern parts of the country, including the country’s poorer areas. Rousseff’s competitor Aecio Neves, however, won more votes in Brazil’s wealthier south, southeast and central west regions. The electoral divide played out online with many discussing trends in regional votes. 

#RIPBrasil trended worldwide as citizens shared their frustrations: