06 / 10
Brazil’s presidential campaign opens
Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro began campaigning in symbolic strongholds before Brazil’s October presidential vote.
What happened
Brazil’s presidential campaign formally opened on Sunday, with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva rallying supporters in São Bernardo do Campo and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro on Copacabana beach. Other candidates also held opening events. Candidates may now seek votes openly, hold rallies and advertise online before the first-round vote in October.
Numbers
- More than 10,000Supporters at Lula’s opening rally
- 45 daysLength of the campaign period
- 4 OctoberDate of the first round
- About 40%Share of voters in Southeast
Questions
- When is the first round?
- The first round is scheduled for 4 October, and television and radio election advertising begins on 28 August.
- Why did they choose symbolic venues?
- Lula returned to the stadium linked to his union leadership, while Bolsonaro chose a site associated with his father’s supporters.
- Which media remain unavailable for now?
- Television and radio advertising is delayed until 28 August, unlike internet campaigning, which opened with the official campaign period.
- Why focus on the Southeast?
- Most leading candidates opened there because the region contains about two-fifths of Brazil’s electorate, making it a key voting base.
- How are candidates seeking support?
- Lula highlighted action against criminal-group leaders, while Bolsonaro focused on negotiating trade deals with major international partners.
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q5
Support and opposition
Who supports this, and why
Lula supporters — Brazil should retain control of its mineral wealth and resist foreign pressure while strengthening public security.
Who opposes this, and why
Bolsonaro supporters — Brazil needs a leader able to negotiate larger trade deals with major powers and regional partners.
The catch
Coverage does not show how the opening events will change voter support before voting.