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...but a Setback for Drug Policy in São Paulo

Submitted October 31, 2004 - 6:35 pm by Al Giordano
As we reported here earlier this month, the mayoralty of pro-drug policy reform mayor Marta Suplicy in São Paulo, Brazil was also at stake in elections today on October 31st. (See Harm Reduction Advances at Stake in São Paulo Election Run-Off, The Narcosphere, October 4, 2004, for background.)

According to exit poll results by the Globo TV network from today's vote, Suplicy, of the Worker's Party of President Lula da Silva was beat by former national health minister and presidential candidate Jose Serra, by a vote of 55-percent to 45-percent.

The Workers party apparently, according to exit polls, also lost the City of Curitiba and the City of Porto Alegre is too close to call right now as votes are being counted.

All three cities have been pioneers, under the outgoing administrations, in the field of Harm Reduction policies to reduce the harms caused to drug users under prohibition.

Now, drug policy reformers in Brazil, according to Narco News co-publisher Semiramis Vedovatto of Curitiba, will be going to the new administrations in these cities and making the case for continuing the progressive policies and programs to educate and protect, instead of persecute, drug users... but the coin is in the air as to what will happen.

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