Fontana denies using the term "vote buying" in the PT (Workers' Party).
A Workers' Party (PT) congressman says he never used the term published by the newspaper O Globo, which interviewed the Rio Grande do Sul parliamentarian; "I never spoke of vote buying in the PT's internal elections. I only highlighted the sudden change in the numbers," said Henrique Fontana, regarding what he called his "surprise" at the "strong growth" in members eligible to vote in the party's internal elections, in which he is competing with the current president, Rui Falcão; read note.
RS247 - Federal deputy Henrique Fontana (PT-RS) denied, through a statement, having used the term "vote buying" to represent his surprise at the growth in the number of members eligible to vote in the PT's internal elections during interview with the newspaper O Globo"I never mentioned vote buying in the PT's PED," the congressman clarifies.
Read the full note below:
Henrique Fontana denies using the term "vote buying" in the PED.
In an interview I gave yesterday to journalist Simone Iglesias, from the newspaper O Globo, I expressed my surprise at the sharp increase in members eligible to vote in the PED (Party Election Process) that occurred in the last week of the deadline to make the necessary financial contribution to be able to vote. On August 13th there were 184.893 eligible members and on August 30th this number jumped to 780.688.
I never mentioned vote buying in the PT's PED. I only highlighted the sudden change in the numbers.
I also understand that we should review this mandatory contribution rule, ensuring that all members who participated in the activities outlined in our bylaws can vote independently of this financial contribution.
As a leader of our party, my goal is to work intensely in these coming weeks so that our PED (Party Election Day) provides an intense and qualified debate about the future of the PT (Workers' Party) and our challenges to continue governing Brazil and as many states as possible, electing large blocs in the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.
I will work to help ensure that members who are willing to vote in November leave their homes with complete freedom to choose their candidates and slates according to their political convictions about what is best for the future of our party.
The PED (Party Election Process) is extremely positive for the PT (Workers' Party), but we must be vigilant to ensure that any mechanisms that could distort the true will of our social base do not interfere with the PED.