Geografia eleitoral no Paraná: dinâmicas regionais e fatores sociopolíticos nas eleições de 2014 a 2022

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the electoral dynamics in the state of Paraná, with particular attention to the presidential elections of 2014, 2018, and 2022. Its primary objective was to examine how geographic, social, economic, and political factors influenced voting behavior and, consequently, the outcomes of these electoral processes. The research framed Electoral Geography as a vital analytical tool for understanding the relationship between spatial contexts and voters’ political choices. The analysis was conducted from a historical perspective, acknowledging that contemporary voting patterns have been largely shaped by past processes and contexts—such as the region’s socioeconomic structure, the influence of religious leadership, and the role of social movements within the state. The study also underscored the interaction between local and national forces, particularly in relation to the political alignment between state-level leadership and presidential candidates, and how such alignments impacted electoral behavior. Furthermore, the study explored the spatial distribution of votes, identifying regions with greater adherence to conservative and liberal discourses—for instance, the state’s interior, where agribusiness is strongly present, and urban areas, which tend to align with more progressive agendas. The adopted methodology combined the analysis of thematic maps, electoral census data, and a critical interpretation of the factors that shaped the political landscape of Paraná. By adopting this approach, the study sought to provide a more nuanced understanding of the specific factors influencing voting patterns, considering the complex interplay of geographic, historical, and social elements that shaped the state’s political behavior. Ultimately, the research emphasized the importance of approaching Electoral Geography not solely as a technical instrument, but as a multidisciplinary perspective essential for fostering a more informed and inclusive democratic process.