Tukarali

[Rogue]

In what is seen as a significant upset, Rosa has gained at least 400 local seats in last nights local elections, ensuring a additional 3 seats in the senate through the indirect election happening next week. The ruling PDP in its turn has lost at least 200 local seats, losing 3 seats in the senate. The PDP and Rosa are now even in the upper chamber, with the PDP at 14 seats and Rosa at 14. Both independents and the MDV lost seats, with the MDV reduced to just 4 which continues its political decline. Interestingly, the Party of Regions, consisting of various regional parties, has more then doubled its seat share to 6 seats (up from two), which shows a trend of regionalized politics gaining traction.

The result is a major blow to the ruling PDP, which already had issues in finding majorities in the senate. With their losses in the different provinces and municipalities, the PDP is likely to find it extremely difficult if not impossible to find majorities for their proposals. While at least 10 of the remaining independents are in support of the PDP, that only gives the ruling party 25 seats where at least 30 are needed in order to maintain control of different committees and have a strong position in the senate. PDP Senate leader Tiago Morais Guedes has indicated his potential willingness towards striking a support agreement with the Party of Regions, but its leader Dahil Ramírez has already openly stated that significant concessions need to be made in strengthening provincial authority, concessions the Senate leader wil not be able to make without support from Prime Minister Pinho. If a deal is struck however, the PDP will manage to find the smallest majority possible for its proposals, creating the need for discipline and continious dialogue in trying to keep the senate in order. 

Rosa senate leader and former presidential candidate Camila Zanetti Machado has celebrated a strong performance, hoping to push the senate towards more progressive stances, "challenging the incumbent government at every turn when it comes to welfare, equality for all and fair wages." Machado, a popular figure within Rosa, has already indicated her willingness to become General-Secretary of the party, a position seen as a springboard for the position of Prime Minister.