|
|
 |
 |
Re-democratization (1985-1989) |
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
[Back]
|
In 1984, there were nationwide demonstrations demanding direct "Elections Now" ("Diretas Já ") to choose a new president. In January, 1985, Tancredo de Almeida Neves was chosen president by an Electoral College. His election was significant because he was not only the first civilian president to be elected in 21 years, but also because he was the candidate of an opposition coalition. On March 14,1985, on the eve of his inauguration, Neves was rushed to a hospital overcome with a lingering illness he had endured for several months.
The man who became acting president was Vice President José Sarney. When Neves died five weeks later, José Sarney was sworn in as president promising to maintain the course set by Tancredo Neves. The first priority of President Sarney was to gather a National Constituent Assembly to draft a new constitution. Never in the history of Brazil was one able to observe such a high degree of popular participation in the drafting of a law. After 18 months of deliberations a new constitution was promulgated on October 5, 1988.
[Top]
|
|
|
|
|
