Brief

Brazilian election enters final week as Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro trade scandal accusations

Both candidates declined a televised debate as voters weigh social welfare, crime policies and religious symbolism.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:28:20 GMT

Brazil's presidential race entered its last week with incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 80, facing Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former far‑right president Jair Bolsonaro, according to France 24.

What happened

Opinion polls from the Quaest institute suggest a runoff on Oct. 25, with Lula and Flávio tied. Both candidates refused to appear on a televised debate on Thursday, leaving 160 million registered voters without a direct face‑to‑face comparison.

What the reports add

France 24 noted that Lula campaigned with a statue of Our Lady of Aparecida after rumours that Flávio might remove the saint’s image if elected; the electoral court ordered the removal of posts containing the unverified claim. Flávio denied the allegation. The outlet also reported that Lula called men "cowards" for avoiding prostate exams, prompting Flávio to label Lula "sexist" after Lula compared women’s early exposure to gynecological exams with a cultural norm.

What was said

Donald Trump said he was watching Brazil's election "very closely," as reported by France 24. Felipe Nunes, director of the Quaest polling institute, told AFP that the race is "tied but not at a standstill" and the final week will decide swayed voters. Lula told supporters that tampering with the saint was "unacceptable," while Flávio Bolsonaro accused Lula of sexism over his comments on health exams.

How it came about

The campaign has been marked by scandals and personal attacks, echoing earlier Felo coverage of Lula's rally in Rio where he framed his bid as a defence of democracy against a possible Bolsonaro‑family return.

Key facts

Brazil's presidential election may go to a runoff on Oct. 25 (france24.com)
Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro both declined a televised debate (france24.com)
Lula campaigned with a statue of Our Lady of Aparecida after rumours about Flávio's plans (france24.com)
Donald Trump said he was watching the election "very closely" (france24.com)