In a video shared on his social media, the artist criticized Senator Flavio Bolsonaro—Lula’s rival in the presidential race—accusing him of maintaining ties with the United States that, in his view, threaten Brazil’s natural resources and sovereignty.

“He is in cahoots with the United States, which wants to steal everything of value that you have in Brazil—not just the Amazon rainforest, but also the minerals,” stated Waters, who also mentioned former U.S. President Donald Trump and members of his political circle.

Regarding the election, the musician noted that he has met Lula in person and expressed his confidence in him. “I looked him in the eye. He is an honest man,” he asserted, adding that the president has spent his entire life working for the Brazilian people and should continue to do so.

Waters focused part of his message on the need to reduce voter abstention. Noting that turnout in the first round was 78 percent, he urged for that figure to be raised to 90, 95, or even 100 percent.

“If you have a grandmother who cannot get up from her chair to go to the polling station, carry her—put her on a donkey, put her in a car—just get her to the polls,” the musician said, in an emphatic call for people to cast their votes.

The iconic artist’s statement joins those of international figures and cultural groups who have weighed in on the Brazilian electoral debate and expressed their support for Lula, as both campaigns intensify their efforts to mobilize their voters.

jdt/npg/mar