DEM and PSDB put their alliance around Geddel in jeopardy.
'Officially', Geddel has received assurances from Mayor ACM Neto that DEM and PMDB will have a "lasting" union; in theory, the Democrat is committed to reciprocating PMDB's support in the second round of the 2012 elections; also in theory, PMDB will indirectly receive support from PSDB, which is betting that it will not take any other course than the same as DEM; but in practice, the situation suggests that things may not be quite so simple; while Geddel hopes to be announced next December, Democrats and PSDB members say that 'it's not the time to define a candidacy' and want to postpone the decision until March 2014.
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The uncertainty surrounding the PT government's base regarding the candidate to succeed Jaques Wagner seems to be affecting the opposition, which was once 'united' behind the PMDB member Geddel Vieira Lima.
'Officially', Geddel already has assurances from Mayor ACM Neto that DEM and PMDB will have a "lasting" union. In theory, the Democrat is committed to reciprocating the support that the PMDB member gave him in the second round of the 2012 elections. Also in theory, the PMDB will indirectly have the support of the PSDB, whose bet is that it will not take any other course than the same as the DEM.
But in practice, the movement suggests that things may not be quite like that. Although his pre-candidacy is seen only as 'marking territory', João Gualberto, a member of the PSDB party, speaks on behalf of the other parties and says that, "with the exception of Geddel, who wants to get ahead of things a bit", the decision on the possible single candidate should only come in March 2014.
"Now is not the time to announce the ticket and who the candidate will be. We are fighting for an ideal: a better Bahia. We are working, traveling, and developing projects. Later, everyone will come together and we will campaign next year." Gualberto is the former mayor of the municipality of Mata de São João.
With the DEM party, despite ACM Neto's 'commitment', things seem a bit complicated for Geddel. Although discreet, former governor Paulo Souto is starting to like the idea of entering the race because his name is tied with Geddel's in the polls.
In addition to him, the DEM party includes the Secretary of Urban Planning and Transportation of Salvador, José Carlos Aleluia; and the mayor of Feira de Santana (the second largest city in Bahia), José Ronaldo.
At least one thing comforts Geddel. The favorite of the people of Bahia in the opposition will not be a candidate. ACM Neto guarantees that he will not leave the Salvador City Hall before completing his term under any circumstances. "That possibility does not exist."