All 27 state governorships were at stake in the 2010 General Elections. In a series of pre-election diaries, I looked at each of these races individually and the polling then current for each. For detailed information on these races, please see this earlier diary series entitled: "Brazilian Election Guide."
Of the 27 races, 18 were decided in the first round, a record. Analysts point to increased polarization as the cause. Whereas in the past, as many as five or six viable candidates might be competing, this year there was a tendency for political parties to form broad "governing" and "opposition" coalitions, reducing the number of viable candidates and upping the chances of a first-round victory. It is precisely in the few states where three or four strong coalitions formed that a run-off will still be necessary.
Of the 18 states whose races were decided on Sunday, 11 elected governors favorable to President Lula and candidate Dilma Rousseff of the PT, while 7 elected governors favorable to candidate José Serra of the PSDB.
An interactive graphic showing the changes in governorships and Congress is here.
Results of each race below the fold.
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