Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva abandons Brazilian presidential bid
Former president barred from running over corruption conviction
Former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has abandoned his run for the presidency, just weeks out from the election.
Lula, as he is widely known in Brazil, made the decision to step aside after Brazil’s supreme electoral tribunal barred him from running because of his conviction on corruption and money laundering charges.
The 72-year-old has strongly denied any wrongdoing, and claims that the charges brought against him are part of his political persecution. He has been in jail since April, serving a 12-year sentence.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Lula served two terms as president from 2003 to 2011, and left office with record high approval ratings of around 90%. The criminal charges were levelled against him after he left office.
Despite Lula’s imprisonment, “almost 40% of people asked by polling firm Datafolha said they would vote for him”, the BBC says.
CNN reports that “running mate and former Sao Paulo Mayor Fernando Haddad will take his place on the 7 October ballot”.
In a letter to supporters, Lula urged those who had planned to vote for him to switch their vote to Haddad.
However, Hadded is relatively unknown, especially in the north-east of the country, and may struggle to overcome far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently leading in the polls at around 26%.
Bolsonaro’s campaign has been disrupted, and he is due to undergo major surgery after he was stabbed in the abdomen by an attacker at a campaign rally last Thursday.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why Bhutan hopes tourists will put a smile back on its face
Under The Radar The 'kingdom of happiness' is facing economic problems and unprecedented emigration
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
7 beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland during the holidays
The Week Recommends Find bliss in these charming Swiss locales that blend the traditional with the modern
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The Week contest: Werewolf bill
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published