Troops deployed for municipal election

On 11 September 2008 Brazilian authorities began deploying approximately 3,500 military troops in Rio de Janeiro to provide security for the municipal election, which is scheduled to take place on 5 October. The troops will deploy to 24 areas in the city that are especially affected by crime-related violence; they will work in conjunction with police officers to provide security for candidates and voting stations. Authorities decided to call on the army after several candidates complained that criminals were preventing them from campaigning in some areas of the city. Military officials expressed satisfaction with the first day of the operation, stating that they had met with no violent resistance.