Brazilian President Lula: I Am the Only One Who Can Stop the Rise of Fascism

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva addressed voters at a major rally in Rio de Janeiro, stating that he is the only person who can prevent the family of his right-wing rival, Flávio Bolsonaro, from coming to power.

Rio de Janeiro Rally and Electoral Process

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held a massive rally attended by thousands of supporters in the streets of Rio de Janeiro ahead of Sunday's critical elections. Competing for a historic fourth term, the 80-year-old leftist leader argued that he is the only remedy to prevent the family of his right-wing rival, Flávio Bolsonaro, from returning to power.

Historical Symbols and Emphasis on Democracy

The march, held between the Candelária Church and Cinelândia Square, brought together symbolic locations of the country's struggle for democracy against the military dictatorship era. Lula expressed that this march signifies not just the victory of a single man, but of democracy itself.

The Bolsonaro Family and Prison Threat

Although former president Jair Bolsonaro is in prison for plotting a coup, there are concerns that if his 45-year-old son, Flávio Bolsonaro, wins the election, he will release his father and other criminals. Democratic circles state that this situation would target the country's constitutional institutions.

Opinion Polls and the Probability of a Second Round

While opinion polls show a neck-and-neck race between Lula and his rival, the elections are expected to go to a second round of voting on October 25. Nevertheless, Lula claims he can wrap up the election early by securing over 50 percent of the vote in Sunday's first round.