Sao Paolo, Brazil
It was an extroardinarily vibrant day in the Brazilian State News headquarters, as the anchors shouted each new result and attempted to come to a consensus as to what the result was heading towards.
"Maranhao coming in at 54% for Caterina Bela! Could this be a serious defeat for Claro?"
"Mato Grosso at 72% for Claro. It was obvious such a socialist stronghold was going to go to the President."
The central news anchor waved for silence as a paper was placed in front of him.
"Preliminary results are now clear: Senator Bela is leading with a solid 53%. Unless the remainder of the votes come in significantly different, the next President of Brazil will be Caterina Bela and the Vice President Adriano Claro as determined by law."
Across the nation, the supporters of the Liberal Party cheered and hugged each other.
---
Inauguration Day, Two Weeks Later
Brasilia, Brazil
The President-elect and President rode together in an armored car, amidst the parade and the massive crowds outside. President-elect Bela was considerably more enthusiastic than the current President, a fact Claro found amusing.
"Now you know how I felt," he remarked.
"It is quite exhilarating." replied the President-elect. She winked. "Don't worry, you're still Vice President. It's not like the Communist Party bested you."
"And what a relief that is," said Claro, laughing.
When they arrived at the National Congress, the President and President-elect (the irony of the switch was not lost on anyone) were greeted by the President of the Senate, Alexandre Felipe. He escorted them inside, where they took their seats to the right and left of him, respectively, before a full session of the Congress.
"We are gathered here to officially appoint the President and Vice President of Brazil," announced the President of the Senate. "I will now take the receipt of election." A representative of the Supreme Electoral Court stood, and handed the document to Felipe, which he gave a cursory look.
"Will all those present please rise." The assembled Congress and others all stood.
"Please repeat after me." He turned to Senator Bela.
"I promise to preserve, defend and uphold the Constitution, observe the Laws, promote the general welfare and equality of the Brazilian people, and to sustain the union, the integrity and the independence of Brazil."
She repeated it, and at that very moment, she became the new President of the Federative Republic.
The assembled Congress, and the various foreign dignitaries including most of the presidents of South and Central America, burst into applause.
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