How a WhatsApp “army” helped flip Brazil’s 2026 election and why Malaysia should pay attention
Murray Hunter BRAZILIAN President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva pulled off one of the most dramatic comebacks in the country’s modern democratic history. After trailing Flávio Bolsonaro (son of former president Jair Bolsonaro) in the first electora...
Defeated Brazilian presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro, son of jailed ex-leader Jair Bolsonaro, fled the country despite a court order prohibiting his departure, according to U.S. media reports on Tuesday. The right-wing senator lost the election on Sunday to incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and refused to concede defeat.
Bolsonaro was ordered by the Supreme Court to surrender his passports, including his Brazilian and diplomatic ones, which were subsequently canceled. He is currently under investigation for alleged corruption and money laundering, and the loss of the election will result in the loss of his parliamentary immunity. Bolsonaro, 45, is reported to be traveling to Florida, as confirmed by multiple U.S. media outlets.
The U.S. State Department has stated that it will issue visas to Bolsonaro and his family, although they have not confirmed his travel plans. An anonymous police source told AFP that there is no formal record of Flavio Bolsonaro leaving Brazil, but he holds an Italian passport as well.
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- After stunning election defeat, Flávio Bolsonaro flees to US, Brazil's President Lula da Silva calls it ‘shameful’ livemint.com
- Bolsonaro’s son Flavio flees to US after election loss in Brazil malaymail.com
- U.S. to give visa to Brazilian election loser Bolsonaro japantimes.co.jp
- Brazil's Flavio Bolsonaro flees to US after election loss koreatimes.co.kr
