'It's going to be a very close election': Brazil's Lula launches fourth term bid

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has launched his re-election bid, seeking a fourth non-consecutive term in office. According to France 24, Lula da Silva, 80, told crowds in São Paulo he is in "great shape". His main election rival is Flavio Bolsonaro, a 45-year-old senator and eldest son of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro.

Flavio Bolsonaro was nominated as the Liberal Party's presidential candidate, despite a recent public feud with his stepmother Michelle Bolsonaro. Free Malaysia Today reported that Michelle Bolsonaro has proven popular among female and evangelical voters in Brazil. The feud became public in late June, but Flavio Bolsonaro issued a public apology and his stepmother accepted it.

Lula da Silva's Workers' Party has confirmed his October bid, Euronews reported. The election is expected to be closely contested, with Lula da Silva facing off against Flavio Bolsonaro in a polarised race.

Brief written by urgent.news from France 24, Free Malaysia Today, Euronews — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.