Brazil election sees China-born candidate aspiring to historic win in municipal race

Zhejiang province native who has logged a quarter century of community work in Sao Paulo scored endorsement from country’s vice-president

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Andre Ye emigrated from China in 1987 at age 10, following an uncle who earlier fled the mainland for Taiwan and then settled in Brazil. Photo: Andre Ye

Published: 2:00am, 16 Aug 2024Updated: 2:35am, 16 Aug 2024

A native of China’s Zhejiang province could become the first mainland-born candidate to win election in Brazil’s municipal elections in October, campaigning on a message touting his ties to both countries.

Ye Yong Yong – also known as Andre Ye – has been a prominent figure in Sao Paulo’s Chinese community for more than 25 years, having worked with and founded civic organisations in Latin America’s largest metropolis.

Ye has contended that despite differences between the political systems of China and his adopted homeland it is “possible to adapt some ideas to the Brazilian context”, such as more comprehensive state services and stronger neighbourhood associations.

Sao Paulo this year will elect 55 councillors from a field of 1,462 candidates, according to the country’s electoral court.

Ye, born in a village near Lishui in Zhejiang province, moved with his parents to Brazil in 1987 at the age of 10, following an uncle loyal to Chiang Kai-shek.

Andre Ye (bottom left) in an undated photo with his mother and siblings in Lishui, Zhejiang province. Photo: Andre Ye

That uncle, Ye said, was among the nationalist troops who fled the mainland for Taiwan, eventually leaving the self-governed island for Sao Paulo in search of opportunities. He later invited his family to join him.