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Does the presidential inauguration of Workers’ Party candidate Luis Inácio “Lula” da Silva signal a historic shift in Brazilian politics? What are the implications of a Lula-led government for democracy in Brazil? This article interprets the 2002 elections in the context of a broader assessment of the state of Brazilian democracy. It highlights important aspects of change while acknowledging significant points of continuity, and affirms the stability of Brazil’s political system while underscoring its deficiencies in quality. In conclusion, it assesses the prospects of the current Brazilian administration.