BRASÍLIA, August 17. /Dunyo IA/. Brazil has officially begun its presidential election campaign, with the first round scheduled for October 4, reports Dunyo IA correspondent, citing The Associated Press.

The leading contenders are incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

Speaking to his supporters, the Brazilian president pledged to continue measures to reduce social inequality and combat poverty. He said that “the right will not govern Brazil while he is alive.”

Flávio Bolsonaro, one of the sons of former President Jair Bolsonaro, met with thousands of voters at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. His father, who is under house arrest after being convicted of attempting a coup, did not attend the rally.

He also accused the current government of failing to meet public expectations. According to Flávio Bolsonaro, he is the only candidate capable of restoring Brazil’s credibility on the international stage.

“I am the only one who can work with the United States, China, Israel, the Middle East, India and Argentina to secure the best and biggest trade deals for our country,” he said at the rally.

According to the latest opinion poll, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva leads Flávio Bolsonaro by seven percentage points. Supporters of the incumbent president believe he is capable of addressing the interests of all social groups, while Bolsonaro’s supporters expect a change in government to improve public safety. Four years ago, Lula da Silva defeated then-incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro, receiving 50.9% of the vote.

Presidential elections in Brazil are held every four years at the end of the president’s term. If no candidate wins a majority in the first round, which will take place on October 4 this year, the two leading candidates will advance to a runoff.

Photo credit: AP