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Lula and his Workers’ Party have cast this election as a “battle for democracy”, arguing that Jair Bolsonaro’s conviction for coup-plotting is evidence that “Bolsonarismo” constitutes a threat to Brazil’s democratic institutions.<\/p>\n
During Lula’s latest term in office, relations with Trump have been rocky.<\/p>\n
Lula has insisted that Brazil “does not fit into anyone’s backyard”, an apparent reference to what Trump has dubbed the “Donroe Doctrine” – his administration’s national security strategy which asserts that US dominance in the Western hemisphere should not be interfered with.<\/p>\n
Bolsonaro, on the other hand, argues that working with Washington to combat powerful criminal gangs – which wield immense power in parts of Brazil – will restore the state’s sovereignty to gang-controlled areas.<\/p>\n
He has also been labelling the Workers’ Party as corrupt, reminding voters of the massive financial scandals which plagued the party for years and which have turned many voters against it.<\/p>\n
Lula plans to be in S\u00e3o Paulo to watch the results on Sunday evening while Bolsonaro is set to be in the capital Bras\u00edlia – which is also where his father is under house arrest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n