Brazilian presidential candidates Lula and Bolsonaro are seeking to disqualify each other ahead of the October 25 runoff election, with both accusing the other of election interference via social media. The candidates have filed legal requests with the Superior Electoral Court, alleging unlawful propaganda and algorithmic manipulation by Meta. The runoff election is expected to be extremely close, with polls showing a technical tie.
Both candidates have filed legal requests with the Superior Electoral Court, with Bolsonaro alleging Lula abused his power by mass disseminating government messages via WhatsApp, and Lula accusing Bolsonaro's team of election interference by Meta. The court has ordered Meta to prove it is treating both campaigns equally, with a daily fine of $200,000 if it fails. Meta has stated it has implemented measures to comply with the court's decision.
The runoff election is expected to be extremely close, with polls showing a technical tie. The candidates are locked in a heated race, with Lula seeking a fourth non-consecutive term and Bolsonaro aiming to overturn his father's 2022 defeat. The election could result in either a left-wing or right-wing administration, with the outcome likely to be as close as the 2022 election. The candidates are both mobilizing supporters with large rallies and social media campaigns.
The candidates have differing approaches to the election, with Lula focusing on social media and mass rallies, while Bolsonaro has scaled back street campaigning but is now re-engaging with supporters. The election is shaping up to be a highly polarized affair, with the outcome likely to have significant implications for Brazilian politics and the country's future.