Lula claims only he can stop fascism as Brazil braces for Sunday's crunch presidential election

From the Newshound archive · first published 2 October 2026 · last updated 3 October 2026.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva addressed a massive rally in Rio de Janeiro, warning that a victory for Jair Bolsonaro's son would bring fascism to Brazil. Widely described as the most consequential Brazilian election in decades, the contest has left nearly half the electorate hostile to each of the two frontrunners. Both candidates also chose to skip a televised debate in the run-up to polling day.

Lula, 80, is cast as a left-wing elder statesman taking on the scion of a disgraced political family.

Neither leading candidate appeared at a TV debate, with surveys pointing to widespread disillusionment across the electorate.