Brazil's presidential hopefuls skip televised debate as election nears
Incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and far-right candidate Flavio Bolsonaro both refused to appear in a TV debate ahead of Sunday’s first-round vote.
The presidential race in Brazil has narrowed to two viable contenders: current president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro, son of the former leader. Both men opted out of a scheduled televised debate, intensifying a campaign framed as a clash between the left and the far right. The contest is also being shaped by accusations of corruption, personal vendettas, and the influence of powerful drug cartels.
Why it matters
The election will decide Brazil's political direction and how crime syndicates may affect governance.
How this story developed
- Sep 3 Lula runs ultra-cautious campaign as poll gap with Bolsonaro narrows
- Sep 13 A new poll released in early September records Bolsonaro at 46% and Lula at 45% in a hypothetical runoff.
- Sep 25 President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva signed an order banning online betting in Brazil, a move that takes effect immediately but needs congressional approval within 120 days.
- Sep 28 The ban is now subject to a 120‑day congressional review.
- Oct 2 Presidential debate scheduled for Oct 1 was cancelled after the electoral court barred Lula’s participation and Bolsonaro withdrew.
In this story
Brazil electionLuiz Inacio Lula da SilvaFlavio Bolsonarodebate boycottfar-rightcorruptionnarco gangsfirst round voting
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