Why Brazil's gun lobby is backing Bolsonaro as country heads to polls
Brazil’s firearms debate is emerging as an issue that could influence voters, particularly in the country’s rural south, as the nation heads to the polls. Under Jair Bolsonaro, the number of registered hunters, shooters and collectors, known as CACs, increased sevenfold in four years. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has promised to reverse that trend, angering the gun lobby.
Access to firearms is one issue that could influence voting in Brazil, particularly in the country’s rural south, as the nation heads to the polls. The country’s gun lobby is backing Jair Bolsonaro, according to a France 24 report.
During Bolsonaro’s time in office, Brazil became more heavily armed than ever before, the report said. The number of registered hunters, shooters and collectors—known by the acronym CACs—increased sevenfold over four years.
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has promised to reverse the increase in firearm access. That position has angered the powerful gun lobby, according to the report, which identified the firearms issue as a source of political tension ahead of the vote.
France 24 said its team in Brazil reported on the gun lobby’s support for Bolsonaro and the role of access to firearms in the election. The supplied report does not provide further details about the election date, the proposed policies, or the size and organization of the lobby.
THE QUESTIONS THIS EVENT LEAVES BEHIND
How much influence can the gun lobby exert over voters in Brazil’s rural south?
What changes would Lula da Silva seek if he moved to reverse the increase in firearm access?
Which groups benefited most from the sevenfold growth in registered CACs?
How might firearm access affect voters who do not belong to the gun lobby?
What evidence would show whether the firearms issue changes the election outcome?
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GLOBAL CURIOSITY MAP · SEPTEMBER 2026