Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva led a large rally through the streets of Rio de Janeiro, asserting that he represents the only barrier against far-right 'fascists' regaining power in Brazil. The rally, which was staged as a 'victory march' between Candelária and Cinelândia, saw Lula mobilise supporters two days before voters head to the polls on 4 October 2026.
During the march, Lula stated, "If it weren’t for me standing up to these fascists they’d easily win another election. I’m the one standing in their way." Furthermore, Lula declared, "It’s either me, or it’s barbarism."
A gathering of over one million people previously occurred at the Candelária church in 1984. Speaking on the stakes, the President of Brazil stated, "What’s at stake is not the victory of one man, it is the victory of an idea, it’s the victory of democracy."
Supporters marched a distance of a mile south from Candelária to Cinelândia during the event. Election-eve polls suggest that Lula maintains only a slight lead over his opponent.
Datafolha pollster suggests a second round runoff between Lula and Bolsonaro on 25 October. Bolsonaro claimed that Brazil is nearing a decision on its future, stating, "Brazil is a few hours from deciding its future … for the next 30, 40, 50 years. It’s the end of an era. It’s the end of the Worker’s party era."
Flávio Bolsonaro vowed to grant a pardon to his 71-year-old father should he win the election. Additionally, Bolsonaro announced intentions to appoint five judges to the supreme court who hold firmly conservative views.
Marcelo Freixo warned that a victory for the Bolsonaro family, which openly defended the dictatorship and attempted a coup, would end the democratic process. Valmir Aleixo asserted that the election presents a choice between democracy and the savagery of far-right fascism, calling it perhaps the most important election since the return of democracy in the 80s.
