Brazil politics: latest events

Story so far

1. 24 Oct 2026 ■ Steady

   Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro about even in poll before Sunday's run-off

   A poll published on Saturday shows the race between President Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro has tightened in recent days ahead of the run-off on October 25. Bolsonaro beat Lula in the first round by a little over two million votes. About 21 percent of adults did not vote in that round.

   Brazil's Lula and Bolsonaro about even in poll ahead of presidential… · Brazil's runoff looms as 21% of adults abstained in first round

2. 23 Oct 2026 ■ Steady

   Brazil's presidential runoff is on Sunday, with Flavio Bolsonaro leading the first round

   Brazil votes in a presidential runoff on October 25. In the first round, Flavio Bolsonaro, son of ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, beat incumbent Lula by a little over two million votes. On Thursday, Lula accused Meta of favouring Bolsonaro and said his rival should be disqualified, and the company denies the claim.

   Brazil heads to presidential runoff on October 25 as Flavio…

3. 22 Oct 2026 ■ Steady

   Lula says rival should be disqualified over alleged Meta interference before run-off

   On Thursday, Lula accused Meta of favouring Flávio Bolsonaro ahead of the presidential run-off and said his rival should be disqualified. Meta denies the claim. Earlier on Thursday, both candidates were reported to be courting about 30 million undecided voters. The run-off is on Sunday.

   Lula says rival should be disqualified over alleged Meta… · Lula and Bolsonaro court undecided voters ahead of Brazil…

4. 19 Oct 2026 ■ Steady

   Brazil's electoral court gives Meta 24 hours to show equal treatment of candidates

   On Monday Brazil's top electoral court gave Meta 24 hours to show it treats campaign content from Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro equally, threatening daily fines. This follows a report on Friday, citing messages from Meta employees, that Lula's accounts were restricted. The presidential runoff is on 25 October, and the two candidates clashed in a heated debate on Sunday.

   Brazil electoral court orders Meta to prove equal treatment of Lula… · Brazil's Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro clash in heated debate before…

5. 18 Oct 2026 ● New

   Report says Meta restricted Lula's accounts; runoff set for 25 October

   On Friday a Brazilian daily reported messages in which Meta employees say Lula's accounts were restricted during the election, while Jair Bolsonaro's profile and WhatsApp channel were recommended. Also on Friday, Lula said in a TV Globo interview that he now backs lowering the age of criminal responsibility for heinous crimes from 18 to 16. The presidential runoff is due on 25 October, and Lula trails his opponent according to the supplied report.

6. 17 Oct 2026 ▲ Escalating

   Report says Meta restricted Lula's accounts as Brazil heads to 25 October runoff

   On Friday, a Brazilian daily reported messages from Meta employees saying Lula's accounts were restricted during the election and that Bolsonaro's profile and WhatsApp channel were recommended. Also on Friday, Lula said in a TV Globo interview that he now backs lowering the age of criminal responsibility for heinous crimes from 18 to 16. Authorities are investigating whether a recent surge in Amazon wildfires was set deliberately for political motives. The presidential runoff is on 25 October.

7. 16 Oct 2026 ■ Steady

   Meta accusations and fire probe shape run-up to Brazil's 25 October runoff

   On Friday, a Brazilian daily reported messages from Meta employees saying Lula's accounts were restricted during the election and that Bolsonaro's profile and WhatsApp channel were recommended. Lula's party said on Wednesday it would file a complaint against Meta with the Organisation of American States alleging election interference. Authorities are also investigating whether a recent surge in Amazon wildfires was set deliberately for political motives.

   Meta employees say Lula's accounts were restricted during Brazil… · Brazil probes whether Amazon wildfire surge was set deliberately… · Brazilian Amazon deforestation falls to lowest level on record ahead…

Written by Claude from the reports on this page and on the map. Check the linked sources for full details.