Brazil: Lula, Bolsonaro return to strongholds to launch runs for president | Elections News
Candidates Appeal to Women Voters Amid Rising Femicide in Brazil
Brazil’s two leading presidential candidates, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, launched their campaigns this week by rallying supporters in their political strongholds. Their outreach comes as the nation prepares for an intense election scheduled for October 4.
Lula addressed a crowd of over 10,000 supporters at Vila Euclides Stadium, located near São Paulo, where he gained prominence 47 years ago as a union leader. The 80-year-old president, sporting a hat following a skin cancer diagnosis, asserted that Brazil needs a continuation of his policies.
Flavio Bolsonaro, the 45-year-old son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, gathered thousands at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, where he promoted his vision for Brazil’s future. His father’s absence, attributed to house arrest following a conviction for an attempted coup, was noted but not elaborated upon.
Both candidates have spoken out against foreign interference in Brazil’s political landscape. Lula’s supporters have accused the United States of attempting to bolster Flavio Bolsonaro’s campaign through measures such as raising tariffs on Brazilian exports and revoking the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to Washington. Lula insisted that Brazil’s mineral resources should benefit its citizens, stating, “No one [abroad] will tap our minerals. We are going to tap them for the benefit of the Brazilian people.”
In contrast, Flavio Bolsonaro emphasized his potential to engage with global powers, claiming, “I am the only one who can sit with the United States, China, Israel, the Middle East, India, and Argentina to make the best and biggest trade deals for our nation.” Notably, his convention featured the attendance of Argentina’s President Javier Milei and expressions of support from prominent figures including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Women represent nearly 53 percent of Brazil’s 158 million eligible voters, according to the country’s electoral court, providing a critical demographic for both candidates as they address the pressing issue of gender-based violence.
In the first quarter of 2026, Brazil recorded approximately 400 femicides, the highest figure for this period since tracking began more than a decade ago, according to the Justice and Public Security Ministry. Both candidates have positioned themselves in support of combating gender violence.
Lula emphasized the importance of equality, stating, “Men need to learn from childhood that they are no better than women.” His wife, First Lady Rosangela da Silva, stood alongside him at the rally, which took place in São Bernardo do Campo, a city significant to Lula’s past.
Lula has previously confronted the issue of gender violence, declaring that those who perpetrate domestic violence must choose between supporting his campaign or their violent behavior. “If they choose violence, they don’t need to vote for me,” he said. He promised to unveil a platform within 10 days detailing gender-responsive policies aimed at education and legislation to combat violence against women.
Despite gradual improvements in femicide laws and protections, the issue remains a persistent crisis in Brazil. Just a few years ago, femicide was classified as a separate crime rather than an aggravated form of homicide, with sentences ranging from 20 to 40 years. Nevertheless, the troubling trend continues.
Similarly, Flavio Bolsonaro pledged to address violence against women, sharing the stage with his mother and wife during his rally as he outlined his commitment to this pressing issue.
As both candidates prepare for the upcoming election, the focus on gender violence is expected to play a significant role in shaping their campaigns and influencing voters.
