Brazil presidential candidates begin electoral advertising campaign

The presidential election campaign in Brazil has officially entered its advertising phase, with candidates granted free airtime on national radio and television until October 1. The primary contest is shaping up to be a race between incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the Workers' Party (PT) and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro of the Liberal Party (PL).

Lula, seeking a fourth term alongside running mate Geraldo Alckmin, leads in recent polls by a margin of approximately 5% to 7%. His campaign focuses on his background as a union leader and his previous terms in office, while utilizing his significant coalition support to secure more advertising minutes.

In their initial broadcasts, the candidates engaged in sharp mutual criticism. Lula attacked Flávio Bolsonaro’s political record, citing past allegations regarding his conduct as a legislator. Conversely, Bolsonaro focused his campaign on criticizing the current administration’s handling of inflation, corruption, public debt, and security issues.