Lula runs ultra-cautious campaign as poll gap with Bolsonaro narrows

With Brazil’s presidential vote approaching in October, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is pursuing one of the most low-key campaigns in recent memory, aiming to preserve a slim advantage over right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Polls indicate a lead of just one to three percentage points for Lula in a potential runoff. Inside the Planalto palace, officials are rigorously vetting government actions to prevent accusations of using state resources for campaign purposes, and ministers have been told to erase social-media content while state television has stopped airing presidential events.

The campaign’s caution extends to scrutinizing announcements to avoid misinterpretation, though some insiders view the approach as excessive. Recent social-media controversies have hit both candidates, and analysts note that voter apathy and platform restrictions are limiting outreach, potentially benefiting the two front-runners while marginalising smaller contenders.