Organizations call on SP candidates to stand up for democracy and human rights

Organizations call on candidates to prioritize proposals that reduce inequality and promote human rights

Foto: Edilson Rodrigues/Agência Senado

In the first round of municipal elections in São Paulo, voters rejected practices and rhetoric that undermine democracy and ethics. In the second round, candidates are expected to rise to the city’s challenges and focus on proposals that promote the well-being of São Paulo’s 11.4 million residents. It is essential for candidates to present and discuss ideas and projects that address the population’s needs, valuing the diversity that characterizes this metropolis.

The municipality of São Paulo, with the largest budget in Brazil, must prioritize the defense of human rights and the reduction of socioeconomic inequalities, ensuring dignity and security for all. The next mayor needs to practice active listening to guarantee full citizenship for those who are marginalized, as advocated by the Constitution.

Tackling the effects of climate change is also essential. Science has proven that extreme weather events are now the new normal. So, candidates must outline the measures they will adopt to adapt the city to the climate changes brought about by global warming.

Regarding the fight against corruption and transparency in public administration, it is unacceptable for São Paulo’s management to remain opaque in this age of technology. The lack of transparency weakens effective observation by the public which fosters corruption, negligence, and incompetence. Therefore, it is essential for the mayor and other officials to be under constant public scrutiny, and for candidates to present clear policies to ensure the responsible use of the municipal budget of R$119 billion, putting the interests of the public first.

Public spaces should be viewed as an expression of citizenship. It is up to the candidates to commit to restoring degraded areas, ensuring efficient upkeep, preventing the privatization of public spaces, improving sidewalks for pedestrians, and implementing effective controls on the flow of traffic.

The right to information is equally crucial, as it enables the fight against misinformation and fake news, strengthening democratic debate and allowing the population to make informed decisions. With access to accurate information, citizens can actively participate in issues that impact their lives, reducing vulnerability to manipulation.

Job creation and support for small and micro-entrepreneurs are pillars for a stronger and more inclusive economy. Public policies that encourage new job opportunities and support entrepreneurship are essential in reducing inequality, promoting innovation, and improving quality of life.

For sustainable urban mobility and inclusive housing, it is necessary to invest in efficient and sustainable public transportation, with fleets powered by clean energy, bike lanes, and improved sidewalks for pedestrians, as well as encouraging the use of non-motorized vehicles. There is also a need to expand affordable housing programs and favela urbanization initiatives to reduce the housing deficit.

In the realm of public safety, cities play a fundamental role both in addressing various forms of violence and in developing, managing, and integrating public policies that reduce violence and ensure the fulfilment of citizenship. Thus, it is up to the next mayor to guide the Municipal Civil Guard so that its actions are based on protection and proximity to the community. The Mayor should implement local policies for combating and preventing violence, with attention to specific neighborhoods. It is also essential to promote the Municipal Policy for Attention to Former Inmates and their Families, in addition to encouraging the involvement of various sectors of civil society, federative entities, government agencies, and the Justice System. These actions should be coordinated and integrated through multidisciplinary, transparent, inclusive, and participatory approaches, ensuring the right to the city and universal access to quality public services.

Finally, quality public education and healthcare are essential. Expanding access to healthcare services, with a focus on primary care and mental health, as well as improving the infrastructure of schools, increasing the number of places for childcare, and promoting inclusive education are crucial steps in fostering citizenship and a culture of human rights.

In this final week of the second round of elections in our city, if the candidates running for the post of Mayor of São Paulo give due attention and focus their efforts on addressing these issues they will place the enhancement of democracy and advancement of societal values back at the center of the debate, aiming for changes that ensure greater well-being for the people of São Paulo.