Flávio Bolsonaro spreads false urn claims and seeks alliances ahead of 2026 presidential run

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the Liberal Party (PL) pre‑candidate for Brazil’s 2026 presidential election, held a diplomatic event in Brasília where he repeated a discredited claim that Brazil’s electronic voting machines share the same origin as those produced by the Venezuelan firm Smartmatic. The allegation, based on a CIA report, was shown by Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court to be false, and Flávio later denied questioning the electoral system while urging foreign embassies to send large numbers of election observers.

At the same time, Flávio’s campaign is struggling to secure formal alliances. The Progressive Party (PP) has denied any partnership, while the Union Brazil‑PP federation remains neutral. Efforts to recruit a vice‑presidential running mate are ongoing; names mentioned include former Caixa president Daniella Marques, deputy Simone Marquetto and senator Tereza Cristina, though no official invitation has been made. The party also keeps Michelle Bolsonaro in consideration for a Senate seat from the Federal District, despite her recent rejection.

Flávio’s bid is further complicated by internal conflicts on the right. He supports Ciro Gomes’s candidacy for governor of Ceará, a stance opposed by former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro, who accuses the state’s right‑wing of being “sold out.” Meanwhile, Flávio has moved his campaign headquarters to São Paulo to be closer to influential regional leaders and potential financial backers.