In October 2016, shortly after Brazil’s mayoral elections, significant numbers of public servants were dismissed from their positions in several municipalities across the country. Porto Nacional’s schools abruptly closed because there were simply not enough teachers staffed to keep the schools open. In Miracema do Tocantins, classes ended six weeks early after 30 percent of city employees were laid off. And dozens of health care providers lost their jobs in Itacoatiara. What did the elections in these three municipalities have in common? In all cases, the incumbent mayor lost their…
