Lula set for January 5 start as Flávio Bolsonaro refuses concession
Lula's fourth term is set to begin January 5, 2027, as Flávio Bolsonaro seeks annulment.
Event / Politics
Brazil Presidential Election 2026
Brazil's 2026 presidential election, including environmental policy, deforestation efforts, and campaign developments ahead of the October 25 runoff.
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36 articles17 articles
2026-10-04 to 2026-10-26 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 4 Oct, 18:18 UTC
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What happened
Lula reduction of Amazon deforestation continued despite campaign silence
President Lula significantly reduced deforestation in the Amazon rainforest during his tenure since returning to power in 2023, though environmental issues were notably absent from the campaign discussion.
Jair Bolsonaro condemned to 27 years imprisonment for coup attempt
Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison for attempting to overturn his 2022 electoral defeat to Lula and remain in power. His son Flavio was promoted as a political candidate after the former president's conviction.
Flavio Bolsonaro pledged strict security measures and fiscal discipline
Flavio Bolsonaro, positioning himself as more moderate than his father, promised firm action against crime and strict fiscal policies to address rising public debt as key campaign platforms.
Lula's previous corruption conviction annulled on procedural grounds
President Lula's 2018-2019 corruption conviction, for which he served over 18 months in prison, was annulled on procedural grounds, clearing him legally to run for office.
Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro compete in tight Brazilian presidential race
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, age 80, sought a fourth non-consecutive term against Flavio Bolsonaro, age 45, son of former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro. A Datafolha poll published Saturday evening showed Lula with 45% voter intent versus Bolsonaro's 42%, indicating a very close race with potential need for a runoff scheduled for October 25.
Lula achieved historically low unemployment rate
President Lula boasted of historically low unemployment levels, attributing success to social programs that lifted millions from poverty in previous years, though voters complained about cost of living and crime despite economic achievements.
Flavio Bolsonaro under investigation for corruption and money laundering
Flavio Bolsonaro, presidential candidate and senator, faced investigation for corruption and money laundering related to financing of a film glorifying his father, Jair Bolsonaro.
Brazilian presidential election held with approximately 160 million voters
Brazil held a presidential election on October 4, 2026, with approximately 160 million eligible voters casting ballots across the country, from remote Amazonian villages to agricultural areas in the South and urban favelas. Voting began at 08:00 Brasilia time and polling stations closed at 17:00 local time.
United States imposed tariffs and sanctions on Brazil related to Jair Bolsonaro trial
The United States imposed tariffs and sanctions against Brazil following the 2025 trial of former president Jair Bolsonaro, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump did not formally endorse Flavio Bolsonaro but his influence weighed on the campaign through these economic measures.
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2 alternative perspectives
Electoral court says two-hour voting extension left runoff results unaffected
Electoral court says a two-hour voting extension, requested by both campaigns, did not affect the runoff results.
Lula wins runoff with 51.8%, reversing first-round deficit to Flávio Bolsonaro
Lula won the runoff with 51.8%, reversing a first-round deficit and becoming the first first-round runner-up to win since 1985.
French lycée students vow continued mobilization after October 24 protests
A French lycée student organization vows to keep mobilizing after October 24 protests.
Student-led opposition movement wins Serbian legislative elections
A student-led opposition movement has won Serbian legislative elections, according to a single report.
Macron, Sánchez and von der Leyen congratulate Lula on runoff win
Macron, Sánchez and von der Leyen congratulated Lula after his runoff win, while Lula rejected being any country's backyard.
Lula's campaign accuses Meta of interference as Meta denies bias
Lula's campaign accuses Meta of favoring his opponent, Meta denies bias, and Lula pledges social network regulation.
Court extends voting by two hours as Lula's campaign appeals bus withdrawals
Voting was extended by two hours, and Lula's campaign appealed over election-day bus withdrawals in Bahia.
Lula wins runoff with 51.8%; Flávio Bolsonaro seeks annulment
Lula wins runoff with 51.8%, while Flávio Bolsonaro says the result cannot be recognized and seeks annulment.
Trump-allied candidates won 2026 elections in Chile, Peru and Colombia
One report says Trump-allied candidates won 2026 elections in Chile, Peru and Colombia.
US designates drug-trafficking groups as terrorist organizations and sanctions a Brazilian justice
The US has added tariffs, a justice sanction and terrorist designations for drug groups, while Brazil reports up to 21 million tons of rare minerals.
Lula warns of US intervention; Flávio Bolsonaro denies US campaign help
Lula warns of US election intervention, Flávio Bolsonaro denies US help, and Trump declines to endorse either candidate.