At the Brazilian Workers’ Party (PT) national convention held in São Paulo on the 2nd, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was officially confirmed as the party’s presidential candidate, setting the stage for another run at a fourth term in office. The convention formally approved the ticket of Lula alongside current Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, with party officials confirming that their registration has already been completed with the Superior Electoral Court.
On August 2nd, Brazilian President Lula delivers a speech during the Workers’ Party national convention in São Paulo. (Photo by Paulo Lopes)
According to Brazilian news outlet G1, Lula stated during his speech that despite being 80 years old, he remains in good health and is fully capable of running for re-election. He also indicated that if he wins this time, he will not seek a fifth term. Lula outlined five key commitments for a potential fourth term, covering education, programs for senior citizens, the defense industry, rare earth and critical minerals, as well as the energy transition. He also emphasized that the achievements of his current administration would serve as a major pillar for the campaign.
Folha de S.Paulo reported that during the event, Lula’s allies vigorously championed the idea of national sovereignty. Given the tariff policies imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump and concerns over potential foreign interference in the October election, this theme has become a central pillar of the PT’s campaign. The party has been working to rehabilitate the Brazilian flag as a national symbol, which has long been associated with right-wing factions, and is encouraging citizens to embrace green and yellow as symbolic colors. In an opinion piece, O Estado de S. Paulo noted that Lula has shown strong resolve on issues emphasized by the right wing. The article argued that recent attempts by the United States and Argentina to interfere in Brazil’s electoral process have drawn widespread attention, turning national sovereignty, the protection of natural and mineral resources, and armed preparedness for peace into major campaign themes for the PT.
Lula is set to face off against the Bolsonaro family once again, this time primarily against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. In the 2022 election, Lula defeated his father, Jair Bolsonaro. According to the latest poll by Datafolha, a research institute affiliated with Folha de S.Paulo, Lula holds 40% support in the first round, compared to Flávio’s 32%. In a likely second-round scenario, Lula leads with 48% against Flávio’s 43%, with a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points.
After political parties in Brazil finalize their presidential and vice-presidential candidates, they must register with the Superior Electoral Court, and upon approval, they can legally conduct campaign activities within the designated timeframe. According to the schedule released by Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court, the official campaign period kicks off on August 16th, with voting set for October 4th, and a possible second round scheduled for October 25th.
