Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro Launch Brazil Presidential Campaigns Ahead of October Election

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2026 — Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and opposition Senator Flávio Bolsonaro officially began their presidential campaigns on Sunday, setting the stage for a closely watched election in October.

Lula returned to Sao Bernardo do Campo, near Sao Paulo, where more than 10,000 supporters gathered at Vila Euclides Stadium. The city holds strong political significance for the 80-year-old president, who rose to prominence there as a metalworkers’ union leader during Brazil’s military dictatorship.

Meanwhile, Flávio Bolsonaro, the 45-year-old son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, launched his campaign before thousands of supporters at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. Jair Bolsonaro, who is under house arrest following his conviction over an attempted coup, was absent from the event.

Lula used his campaign launch to emphasise national sovereignty and reject what he described as foreign interference in Brazilian politics. His allies have accused the United States of taking measures that could benefit Flávio Bolsonaro politically, including higher tariffs on Brazilian exports.

Flávio Bolsonaro, meanwhile, positioned himself as a candidate capable of strengthening Brazil’s international trade relationships while promising tougher policies on crime and changes to the country’s education system. He is seeking to establish his own political identity while still benefiting from his father’s strong conservative support base.

The race extends beyond Lula and Bolsonaro, with 13 presidential candidates beginning their campaigns. Former state governors Ronaldo Caiado and Romeu Zema are among other contenders seeking to challenge Lula. Campaign activity is expected to intensify when television and radio advertisements begin later this month.

Women voters are also expected to play a major role in the election, accounting for nearly 53% of Brazil’s 158 million eligible voters. Both Lula and Bolsonaro used their opening rallies to address issues affecting women, including violence and equality.

The election is expected to be highly competitive. Four years ago, Lula narrowly defeated Jair Bolsonaro with 50.9% of the vote, and the latest campaign is shaping up to become another major contest between Brazil’s left and right political blocs.