Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's re-election campaign on Saturday (Oct 11) accused Meta of interfering in election, alleging that his content was blocked on the company's platforms. Lula is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term in the October 25 runoff. His opponent is Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro. Flavio Bolsonaro finished first in last Sunday's opening round.&nbsp;In a statement, the campaign said platforms owned by Meta, which also runs Facebook and WhatsApp alongside Instagram, had restricted the reach of Lula's content. It said that in recent days Meta stopped his profile from promoting Instagram feed posts, and that view counts on one post from his official account were interrupted, limiting its reach.&nbsp;The campaign further claimed that before the first round, the profiles of Lula and other leftist leaders suddenly vanished from Instagram's search function. The statement said the series of technical problems raised strong suspicions that Meta was attempting to influence the electoral process in favour of Flavio Bolsonaro's candidacy.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-election-2026-flavio-bolsonaro-beats-lula-in-first-round-but-misses-outright-win-race-heads-to-runoff-1791165120638">Brazil election 2026: Flavio Bolsonaro beats Lula in first round but misses outright win; race heads to runoff</a>&nbsp;Meta's Brazil office rejected the accusations, calling them "simply false" and unsupported by facts. In an email to news agency AFP, the company said many of the technical issues cited were not limited to Brazil or to particular accounts. It added that it complies with electoral regulations and is committed to a level playing field on its platforms.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/viral-gaffe-trump-mixes-up-india-and-brazil-in-social-post-attacking-us-voting-speed-1791181445745">Viral gaffe: Trump mixes up India and Brazil in social post attacking us voting speed</a>&nbsp;Lula's campaign has filed a complaint with the electoral court over the alleged restrictions. After the first round, Lula, who does not use a mobile phone, launched a social media push that includes videos in which he addresses his online followers directly.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's campaign has accused tech giant Meta of election interference, alleging the platform blocked social media content and deactivated ad accounts ahead of the presidential runoff. 

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's re-election campaign on Saturday (Oct 11) accused Meta of interfering in election, alleging that his content was blocked on the company's platforms. Lula is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term in the October 25 runoff. His opponent is Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro. Flavio Bolsonaro finished first in last Sunday's opening round. In a statement, the campaign said platforms owned by Meta, which also runs Facebook and WhatsApp alongside Instagram, had restricted the reach of Lula's content. It said that in recent days Meta stopped his profile from promoting Instagram feed posts, and that view counts on one post from his official account were interrupted, limiting its reach. The campaign further claimed that before the first round, the profiles of Lula and other leftist leaders suddenly vanished from Instagram's search function. The statement said the series of technical problems raised strong suspicions that Meta was attempting to influence the electoral process in favour of Flavio Bolsonaro's candidacy. Also read: Brazil election 2026: Flavio Bolsonaro beats Lula in first round but misses outright win; race heads to runoff Meta's Brazil office rejected the accusations, calling them "simply false" and unsupported by facts. In an email to news agency AFP, the company said many of the technical issues cited were not limited to Brazil or to particular accounts. It added that it complies with electoral regulations and is committed to a level playing field on its platforms. Also read: Viral gaffe: Trump mixes up India and Brazil in social post attacking us voting speed Lula's campaign has filed a complaint with the electoral court over the alleged restrictions. After the first round, Lula, who does not use a mobile phone, launched a social media push that includes videos in which he addresses his online followers directly.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's campaign has accused tech giant Meta of election interference, alleging the platform blocked social media content and deactivated ad accounts ahead of the presidential runoff.&nbsp;

Lula campaign accuses Meta of election interference after social media content blocked

Is Brazil headed towards a complete shift to the right?The answer to this will decide the course of South America's political journey.The battle between Brazil’s veteran left-wing leader and current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, is inching closer to a conclusion.After the first round, it is Flavio Bolsonaro who has entered the runoff with the lead.With virtually all votes counted, Flavio secured about 47% of the valid vote, compared with roughly 45% for Lula.With no outright winner, Brazil now heads for a decisive second round on October 25.Beyond the numbers, it is also a contest over what political direction Brazil and Latin America take next.It is Bolsonaro's Liberal Party versus Lula's Workers' Party.If Flavio Bolsonaro's surname is his biggest political asset, it is a challenge too because he has to live up to how his father, Jair Bolsonaro, transformed Brazil's conservative movement.Jair Bolsonaro was later convicted over a plot to overturn the 2022 election result, which he lost to Lula, and is now serving a 27-year prison sentence.His son has taken up the political mantle, and Flavio's first-round performance shows that the Bolsonaro political brand remains a significant force in Brazil.So what does Flávio Bolsonaro's rise mean for Brazil's relationship with Donald Trump?The US president has made no secret of his interest in Brazil's political direction.Trump has hosted Flávio Bolsonaro at the White House and has publicly praised him, calling him quite: "A smart young man who loves his country very much."On the other hand, his relationship with Lula has become increasingly complicated over tariffs.The Trump administration imposed additional tariffs on Brazilian imports, affecting a significant portion of Brazil's exports to the United States.Lula accused Washington of interfering in Brazil's affairs. Suddenly, an election inside Brazil became entangled with a much larger argument: who gets to decide Brazil's political and economic future?Lula's message has increasingly been that Brazil should not allow foreign governments to dictate its choices. This argument has particular resonance because Trump's administration has become more openly aligned with conservative political forces across Latin America.But in contrast, Flavio represents a very different foreign-policy orientation. His campaign has positioned itself closer to the conservative governments and movements that have been gaining ground across the region.The campaign has revolved heavily around crime, the cost of living, corruption, household debt and concerns about public finances.Brazil's economy has continued to grow, and unemployment and inequality have improved, but concerns over living costs and government debt remain politically important.After the first round, Flavio declared that Brazil was witnessing the "end of the era" of Lula's Workers' Party.Lula, meanwhile, has another campaign to fight. At 80, he is seeking an unprecedented fourth non-consecutive presidential term. His response after the result was straightforward: the first campaign is over; a new campaign begins now.Flávio has momentum; Lula has experience.Neither has won yet.All eyes are now on October 25 as the battle between two political legacies unfolds.

Brazil heads for a decisive runoff between Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro as voters weigh competing political legacies and the country's future direction.

Is Brazil headed towards a complete shift to the right? The answer to this will decide the course of South America's political journey. The battle between Brazil’s veteran left-wing leader and current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, is inching closer to a conclusion. After the first round, it is Flavio Bolsonaro who has entered the runoff with the lead. With virtually all votes counted, Flavio secured about 47% of the valid vote, compared with roughly 45% for Lula. With no outright winner, Brazil now heads for a decisive second round on October 25. Beyond the numbers, it is also a contest over what political direction Brazil and Latin America take next. It is Bolsonaro's Liberal Party versus Lula's Workers' Party. If Flavio Bolsonaro's surname is his biggest political asset, it is a challenge too because he has to live up to how his father, Jair Bolsonaro, transformed Brazil's conservative movement. Jair Bolsonaro was later convicted over a plot to overturn the 2022 election result, which he lost to Lula, and is now serving a 27-year prison sentence. His son has taken up the political mantle, and Flavio's first-round performance shows that the Bolsonaro political brand remains a significant force in Brazil. So what does Flávio Bolsonaro's rise mean for Brazil's relationship with Donald Trump? The US president has made no secret of his interest in Brazil's political direction. Trump has hosted Flávio Bolsonaro at the White House and has publicly praised him, calling him quite: "A smart young man who loves his country very much." On the other hand, his relationship with Lula has become increasingly complicated over tariffs. The Trump administration imposed additional tariffs on Brazilian imports, affecting a significant portion of Brazil's exports to the United States. Lula accused Washington of interfering in Brazil's affairs. Suddenly, an election inside Brazil became entangled with a much larger argument: who gets to decide Brazil's political and economic future? Lula's message has increasingly been that Brazil should not allow foreign governments to dictate its choices. This argument has particular resonance because Trump's administration has become more openly aligned with conservative political forces across Latin America. But in contrast, Flavio represents a very different foreign-policy orientation. His campaign has positioned itself closer to the conservative governments and movements that have been gaining ground across the region. The campaign has revolved heavily around crime, the cost of living, corruption, household debt and concerns about public finances. Brazil's economy has continued to grow, and unemployment and inequality have improved, but concerns over living costs and government debt remain politically important. After the first round, Flavio declared that Brazil was witnessing the "end of the era" of Lula's Workers' Party. Lula, meanwhile, has another campaign to fight. At 80, he is seeking an unprecedented fourth non-consecutive presidential term. His response after the result was straightforward: the first campaign is over; a new campaign begins now. Flávio has momentum; Lula has experience. Neither has won yet. All eyes are now on October 25 as the battle between two political legacies unfolds.

Brazil heads for a decisive runoff between Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro as voters weigh competing political legacies and the country's future direction.

Is Brazil headed towards a complete shift to the right? Lula vs Bolsonaro | Race To Power

The contest between Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brazil elections will head to runoff on October 25 as neither the the 45-year-old son of former President Jair Bolsonaro and 80-year-old incumbent, seeking his fourth non-consecutive term, garnered more than 50 per cent required for an outright win. However, poll result on Oct 4 (local time) showed that right-wing senator Bolsonaro finished ahead of President Lula da Silva with 47 percent of the vote, while Lula received 45 percent. This was contrary to the opinion poll &nbsp;projections that showed Lula in the lead. The elections are being watched closely because if Bolsonaro wins on October 25 election, BRazil will join long list of Latin American countries voting pro-Trump leaders.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I admit I was convinced I would win in the first round. The game is about to start. In extra time, we will win over the Brazilian people," Lula said. "I'm very good at knockout stages."&nbsp;Flavio Bolsonaro was a little-known senator a few months ago when his father anointed him his political heir. His father Jair Bolsanaro was barred from contesting as he serves a 27-year sentence for an attempted coup after losing a 2022 election bid. "I am truly happy with the result," Flavio Bolsonaro said after results came through, hailing the "very real possibility" of a run-off victory. AFP reported that junior Bolsanaro's first round performance outdid that of Jair Bolsonaro in 2018, when he was elected, and 2022. &nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-s-son-sentenced-for-lobbying-us-to-impose-sanctions-on-brazil-during-father-s-coup-trial-1781648614864">Bolsonaro's son sentenced for lobbying US to impose sanctions on Brazil during father's coup trial</a><h2>Election campaigns</h2>Both Lula and Bolsanaro are at neck-and-neck and poll results will be hours after polls wrap up. Brazil holds general elections every four years, and voting is mandatory. Those who fail to cast a ballot without justification face a small fine. While Jair Bolsanaro was barred from running as he serves a 27-year-long sentence for a coup attempt, his eldest son has vowed to take forward his father's ultra-conservative agenda. He has campaigned around security policies and pledged to fight the country's criminal groups by building El Salvador-style mega prisons. The veteran leftist Lula has branded the election a battle between democracy and "barbarism," warning voters that Brazil's sovereignty was at stake in the face of US pressure.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazil-final-tv-face-off-cancelled-as-lula-bolsonaro-withdraw-1791012937420">Brazil: Final TV face-off cancelled as Lula, Bolsonaro withdraw</a>&nbsp;Lula, on the other hand, is banking on his populist pitches, and a sudden crackdown on online betting. He has craved an image of his own worldwide as he protested US President Donald Trump. He even warned the US not to meddle in Brazil's elections. Bolsonaro's victory would add Brazil to a list of Latin American countries -- including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica and Peru -- that have elected Trump-friendly governments in recent years. Lula has made defending Brazilian sovereignty a major campaign issue. In the days before the election, his team launched a Portuguese version of the Bad Bunny song, "Lo que le paso a Hawaii," which invokes the US colonization of Hawaii as a cautionary tale.

Brazil’s presidential election is heading to a runoff on October 25 after Flavio Bolsonaro finished ahead of incumbent Lula da Silva in the first round. Bolsonaro secured about 47% of valid votes to Lula’s 44.9%, outperforming pre-election polls.

The contest between Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brazil elections will head to runoff on October 25 as neither the the 45-year-old son of former President Jair Bolsonaro and 80-year-old incumbent, seeking his fourth non-consecutive term, garnered more than 50 per cent required for an outright win. However, poll result on Oct 4 (local time) showed that right-wing senator Bolsonaro finished ahead of President Lula da Silva with 47 percent of the vote, while Lula received 45 percent. This was contrary to the opinion poll projections that showed Lula in the lead. The elections are being watched closely because if Bolsonaro wins on October 25 election, BRazil will join long list of Latin American countries voting pro-Trump leaders. "I admit I was convinced I would win in the first round. The game is about to start. In extra time, we will win over the Brazilian people," Lula said. "I'm very good at knockout stages." Flavio Bolsonaro was a little-known senator a few months ago when his father anointed him his political heir. His father Jair Bolsanaro was barred from contesting as he serves a 27-year sentence for an attempted coup after losing a 2022 election bid. "I am truly happy with the result," Flavio Bolsonaro said after results came through, hailing the "very real possibility" of a run-off victory. AFP reported that junior Bolsanaro's first round performance outdid that of Jair Bolsonaro in 2018, when he was elected, and 2022. Also Read: Bolsonaro's son sentenced for lobbying US to impose sanctions on Brazil during father's coup trial Election campaigns Both Lula and Bolsanaro are at neck-and-neck and poll results will be hours after polls wrap up. Brazil holds general elections every four years, and voting is mandatory. Those who fail to cast a ballot without justification face a small fine. While Jair Bolsanaro was barred from running as he serves a 27-year-long sentence for a coup attempt, his eldest son has vowed to take forward his father's ultra-conservative agenda. He has campaigned around security policies and pledged to fight the country's criminal groups by building El Salvador-style mega prisons. The veteran leftist Lula has branded the election a battle between democracy and "barbarism," warning voters that Brazil's sovereignty was at stake in the face of US pressure. Also Read: Brazil: Final TV face-off cancelled as Lula, Bolsonaro withdraw Lula, on the other hand, is banking on his populist pitches, and a sudden crackdown on online betting. He has craved an image of his own worldwide as he protested US President Donald Trump. He even warned the US not to meddle in Brazil's elections. Bolsonaro's victory would add Brazil to a list of Latin American countries -- including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica and Peru -- that have elected Trump-friendly governments in recent years. Lula has made defending Brazilian sovereignty a major campaign issue. In the days before the election, his team launched a Portuguese version of the Bad Bunny song, "Lo que le paso a Hawaii," which invokes the US colonization of Hawaii as a cautionary tale.

Brazil’s presidential election is heading to a runoff on October 25 after Flavio Bolsonaro finished ahead of incumbent Lula da Silva in the first round. Bolsonaro secured about 47% of valid votes to Lula’s 44.9%, outperforming pre-election polls.

Brazil election 2026: Flavio Bolsonaro beats Lula in first round but misses outright win; race heads to runoff

Millions of Brazilians are voting on Sunday in an election dominated by two rivals: incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of ex-leader Jair Bolsonaro who Lula defeated four years ago. While there are twelve candidates on the presidential ballot, the real contest is between Lula and Bolsonaro. If no candidate receives more than 50 per cent of the vote, the top 2 will advance to a runoff on Oct. 25. Approximately 158.7 to 160 million registered voters are casting ballots, not only to elect the next President, but also Vice President, all members of the Chamber of Deputies, a portion of the Federal Senate, and state governors. According to a first-round public opinion poll, Lula da Silva is leading at 46 per cent and Flávio Bolsonaro at 45 per cent.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/flavio-bolsonaro-faces-corruption-probe-brazil-s-election-race-rocked-weeks-before-vote-1789191338883">Flavio Bolsonaro faces corruption probe: Brazil's election race rocked weeks before vote</a><h2>Election campaigns</h2>Both Lula and Bolsanaro are at neck-and-neck and poll results will be hours after polls wrap up. Brazil holds general elections every four years, and voting is mandatory. Those who fail to cast a ballot without justification face a small fine. While Jair Bolsanaro was barred from running as he serves a 27-year-long sentence for a coup attempt, his eldest son has vowed to take forward his father's ultra-conservative agenda. He has campaigned around security policies and pledged to fight the country's criminal groups by building El Salvador-style megaprisons.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazil-final-tv-face-off-cancelled-as-lula-bolsonaro-withdraw-1791012937420">Brazil: Final TV face-off cancelled as Lula, Bolsonaro withdraw</a>&nbsp;Lula, on the other hand, is banking on his populist pitches, and a sudden crackdown on online betting. He has craved an image of his own worldwide as he protested US President Donald Trump. He even warned the US not to meddle in Brazil's elections. Bolsonaro's victory would add Brazil to a list of Latin American countries -- including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica and Peru -- that have elected Trump-friendly governments in recent years. Lula has made defending Brazilian sovereignty a major campaign issue. In the days before the election, his team launched a Portuguese version of the Bad Bunny song, "Lo que le paso a Hawaii," which invokes the US colonization of Hawaii as a cautionary tale.

Brazilian voters are casting ballots in a closely fought presidential election between incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. Lula leads narrowly in polls, but if no candidate crosses 50%, the top two will face a runoff on October 25.

Millions of Brazilians are voting on Sunday in an election dominated by two rivals: incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of ex-leader Jair Bolsonaro who Lula defeated four years ago. While there are twelve candidates on the presidential ballot, the real contest is between Lula and Bolsonaro. If no candidate receives more than 50 per cent of the vote, the top 2 will advance to a runoff on Oct. 25. Approximately 158.7 to 160 million registered voters are casting ballots, not only to elect the next President, but also Vice President, all members of the Chamber of Deputies, a portion of the Federal Senate, and state governors. According to a first-round public opinion poll, Lula da Silva is leading at 46 per cent and Flávio Bolsonaro at 45 per cent. Also Read: Flavio Bolsonaro faces corruption probe: Brazil's election race rocked weeks before vote Election campaigns Both Lula and Bolsanaro are at neck-and-neck and poll results will be hours after polls wrap up. Brazil holds general elections every four years, and voting is mandatory. Those who fail to cast a ballot without justification face a small fine. While Jair Bolsanaro was barred from running as he serves a 27-year-long sentence for a coup attempt, his eldest son has vowed to take forward his father's ultra-conservative agenda. He has campaigned around security policies and pledged to fight the country's criminal groups by building El Salvador-style megaprisons. Also Read: Brazil: Final TV face-off cancelled as Lula, Bolsonaro withdraw Lula, on the other hand, is banking on his populist pitches, and a sudden crackdown on online betting. He has craved an image of his own worldwide as he protested US President Donald Trump. He even warned the US not to meddle in Brazil's elections. Bolsonaro's victory would add Brazil to a list of Latin American countries -- including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica and Peru -- that have elected Trump-friendly governments in recent years. Lula has made defending Brazilian sovereignty a major campaign issue. In the days before the election, his team launched a Portuguese version of the Bad Bunny song, "Lo que le paso a Hawaii," which invokes the US colonization of Hawaii as a cautionary tale.

Brazilian voters are casting ballots in a closely fought presidential election between incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. Lula leads narrowly in polls, but if no candidate crosses 50%, the top two will face a runoff on October 25.

Brazil votes in Lula vs Bolsonaro election showdown: Will it go to a runoff?

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has called for stronger and better-equipped armed forces ahead of the presidential election scheduled for October this year. During his visit to the Avibras aerospace facility in São Paulo, President Lula highlighted the importance of developing homegrown defense capabilities and ensuring Brazil's military remains prepared, trained, and adequately staffed. The Brazilian defense company, known for producing missiles, rockets, and aerospace technology, has resumed operations after facing financial difficulties and worker strikes.

Lula Pushes For Powerful Brazilian Military Ahead Of Election | Visits Aerospace Facility

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Lula campaign accuses Meta of election interference after social media content blocked

RTP | Is Brazil headed towards a complete shift to the right? Lula vs Bolsonaro

Brazil election: Flavio Bolsonaro beats Lula in 1st round; race heads to runoff

Brazil votes in Lula vs Bolsonaro election showdown: Will it go to a runoff?

Lula Pushes For Powerful Brazilian Military Ahead Of Election | Visits Aerospace Facility

Lula Pushes For Powerful Brazilian Military Ahead Of Election | Visits Aerospace Facility