Romeu Zema continues to maintain his candidacy for the upcoming election despite polling at 1% in the latest survey from Quaest. While members of his own party, Novo, have pressured him to withdraw in favor of Flávio Bolsonaro, Zema has publicly rejected these calls, insisting he will see his proposal through to the end.
Zema Defies Party Pressure and Low Polling
In a recent video statement, Zema framed his political platform around his track record in Minas Gerais, where he noted he has defeated the PT twice. He described himself as a “ficha limpa” (clean slate) candidate, emphasizing his focus on combating corruption, which he characterized as the “great cancer of Brazil.”
Despite his resolve, the political environment remains challenging for his campaign. With the first round of the election only one week away, his 1% standing in the Quaest poll stands in sharp contrast to his stated commitment to continue the race.
Did You Know?
Romeu Zema maintains that his political project is active, even as his current polling numbers place him at 1% in the latest Quaest data with only one week remaining until the first round of voting.
Implications for the Novo Party and the Campaign
The internal friction within the Novo party highlights a significant divide between party leadership and Zema’s individual campaign strategy.
Expert Insight: The Challenge of Sustained Candidacy
Maintaining a campaign when party allies are calling for a withdrawal creates a unique pressure point.

Romeu Zema refuses to withdraw despite 1% poll numbers
Why is Romeu Zema facing pressure to withdraw?
Members of his own party, Novo, have urged him to step down to favor the candidacy of Flávio Bolsonaro.
What is Zema’s response to these calls?
Zema has refused to withdraw, stating in a video that he intends to take his proposal to the end.
What do the latest polls say about his campaign?
According to the latest Quaest data, Zema currently holds 1% of the voting intentions.
Given the current polling data and the public stance of his party, how do you see the final week of this campaign influencing the electoral outcome?
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