Last Sunday, Brazil went to the polls in a historic election that saw the victory of members of Brazil’s Indigenous “headdress” caucus in São Paulo and the state of Minas Gerais. The victories of Sonia Guajajara and Célia Xakriabá – central leaders of Brazil’s Indigenous movement – bring much-needed political representation to Indigenous peoples whose rights and lands have been ruthlessly targeted by the Bolsonaro regime.

A deeply polarized country chose between the diametrically opposed visions of Jair Bolsonaro and Lula da Silva, in a race that was close despite projections that favored Lula. The world is watching closely in a decision that represent the future of the Amazon rainforest and global climate stability.

A runoff between Bolsonaro and Lula is set for the end of October. This election comes at a critical moment as the Amazon rainforest reaches a tipping point, and the voice of powerful and credible leaders is needed to reverse the destructive tide unleashed by Bolsonaro.