Emerging from the voting pattern of the Brazilian congressional elections of October 7, 1962, is a reassuring pattern of political growth and responsible participation by the Brazilian electorate.

Congressional elections demand a regional approach. North Americans perhaps understand this better than most people. A great deal of caution is used before establishing a national trend of events in the United States by using, for example, the Arkansas returns. Similarly, to claim that New York speaks for the nation is dangerous.

The same caution should also be used in Brazil. The tight race for the governorship of Pernambuco tells the story of almost equally-balanced forces in that state. The Sao Paulo returns may provide some positive indicators of the 1965 presidential race. Rio Grande do Sul demonstrated the basically-conservative nature of the electorate in that area. In contrast, the state returns in Guanabara seem to present an example of complete political irresponsibility and immaturity.