Lula da Silva, leader of the Workers' Party, has announced his intention to run in the second round of the 2026 presidential election. His campaign team has confirmed plans to engage actively in the runoff, following recent legal developments that have allowed him to re-enter public political discourse. Meanwhile, Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, has also confirmed his candidacy under the Patriotic League party.
The Instituto Ipespe has released its first poll on the potential runoff, showing a split in public opinion. According to the survey, 43% of voters believe their quality of life would remain unchanged under Lula, while a similar percentage thinks it would worsen under Bolsonaro. The poll, registered with the Superior Electoral Court, was conducted by phone between October 5 and 10.
Legal challenges continue to shape the political landscape. The Superior Electoral Court has suspended a website offering cryptocurrency in exchange for political advertising supporting Bolsonaro. The decision was made following a request from Lula’s campaign team. Additionally, a recent investigation involving Lula’s daughter, Lulinha, has led to further scrutiny of his political allies.
The political climate remains tense as both candidates prepare for the runoff. Despite efforts to organize debates, neither Lula nor Bolsonaro has confirmed participation in any upcoming discussions. The situation reflects the deepening polarization in Brazilian politics, with the upcoming election seen as a critical moment for the country’s political future.
