Brazil's Lula formally nominated for fourth term, faces Flávio Bolsonaro in October election

The nomination

Brazil's left-wing Workers' Party (PT) formally nominated President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as its candidate for the October presidential election at a party convention in São Paulo on Sunday. The 80-year-old, who has held the presidency since 2023 and previously served from 2003 to 2010, would enter a fourth term overall if he wins. Geraldo Alckmin was confirmed again as his running mate. Speaking before roughly 3,000 supporters who waved red PT flags and held signs reading "Brazil does not give up," Lula declared himself in peak condition.

I am infinitely in better shape than when I was 57 years old and took my first office. I am top fit.

His 59-year-old wife attended wearing a T-shirt depicting Lula as a child. Cristiane Rosa Julho, a 51-year-old social worker, told AFP that Lula's policies had changed her life and enabled her family to own their own home.

The challenger

Lula's main opponent is right-wing senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. The Liberal Party (PL) nominated Flávio at its own convention in São Paulo a week earlier. Jair Bolsonaro, whom Lula narrowly defeated in the 2022 runoff, was sentenced by Brazil's Supreme Court in September 2025 to more than 27 years in prison for a planned coup attempt and is now under house arrest. The Bolsonaro family maintains close political ties to US President Donald Trump, but Flávio is considered less popular than his father and has yet to secure unified support from the conservative camp.

Lula has labelled Flávio Bolsonaro a "traitor to the fatherland," accusing him of encouraging the United States to impose punitive tariffs that damaged the Brazilian economy. Flávio Bolsonaro denies the accusation.

Diplomatic row and AI controversy

Argentine president Javier Milei appeared at the PL convention and launched sharp attacks on both Lula and the Brazilian judiciary. His appearance triggered a diplomatic incident described as one of the most serious disputes between the two South American neighbours in decades. The event also generated controversy over an AI-generated video featuring Jair Bolsonaro. The former president's defence team stated he had not authorised its use. Electoral authorities are examining possible violations, though disqualification of Flávio Bolsonaro's candidacy is considered unlikely.

Polls and path to the ballot

According to the latest survey by polling institute Datafolha, Lula currently leads his challenger in voter preference. In a runoff scenario, one poll gives Lula 48% against 43% for Flávio Bolsonaro. Other candidates from smaller parties trail significantly. The presidential election in Latin America's largest economy is scheduled for 4 October. If no candidate secures an absolute majority, a runoff will take place on 25 October.