Brazil’s Evangelical Caucus Prepares for Historic Leadership Election Amid Internal Divisions

On February 25, Brazil’s Evangelical Parliamentary Front, known as the “Bancada da Bíblia,” will hold its first-ever leadership election.

Representing over one-third of the Chamber of Deputies with 219 members, the group faces a competitive race between Otoni de Paula (MDB-RJ), Greyce Elias (Avante-MG), and Gilberto Nascimento (PSD-SP).

The election underscores growing tensions within the caucus over its political alignment, particularly regarding President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s administration. Otoni de Paula, once a key figure in the caucus, has lost support due to perceptions of being too close to Lula.

His participation in a prayer with the president during the signing of National Gospel Music Day legislation last October drew sharp criticism, especially from Bolsonaro-aligned members.

Otoni defended himself, stating, “I have never supported Lula or the PT. I oppose constructively, with dialogue, rather than hostility.”

However, critics, including Sóstenes Cavalcante (PL-RJ), a Bolsonaro ally and former caucus leader, accuse him of holding a government-appointed position at Rio’s Department of Transport Infrastructure (Dnit), which they argue makes him pro-government.

Evangelical Leadership Race Highlights Internal Divisions

Gilberto Nascimento, backed by Cavalcante and evangelical leader Pastor Silas Malafaia, has emerged as Otoni’s main challenger. Meanwhile, Greyce Elias is seen as a potential wildcard.

As the only female candidate, some believe her candidacy could attract significant support and possibly lead to an alliance with Nascimento.

Eli Borges (PL-TO) acknowledged the tight race and noted that only an unlikely agreement could prevent a vote. “We are working toward consensus until the last moment. If not, we’ll proceed with the election,” he said.

This leadership contest reflects broader divisions within Brazil’s evangelical political movement as it balances opposition to Lula’s government with internal power struggles. The outcome could shape the caucus’s influence over key legislative decisions in the coming years.