Brazilian Political Parties Start Conventions to Formalize 2026 Election Candidates
Political parties in Brazil begin conventions from July 20 to nominate candidates for the 2026 elections, with key announcements including Flávio Bolsonaro's presidential launch by the PL party on July 25.
- • Political parties can hold conventions from July 20 to August 5 to define candidates and alliances for the October election.
- • PL will officially announce Flávio Bolsonaro as its presidential candidate on July 25 in São Paulo.
- • PT will formalize Fernando Haddad's candidacy for São Paulo governor on July 25 in Campinas, with Lula's presence.
- • By August 15, parties must register all candidates; campaigning starts August 16.
Key details
Beginning July 20, Brazilian political parties and federations are empowered to hold conventions until August 5 to officially nominate candidates and form alliances for the October general elections. The first major announcement will come from the Liberal Party (PL) on July 25 in São Paulo, where Senator Flávio Bolsonaro will be unveiled as their presidential candidate. On the same day, the Workers' Party (PT) will formalize Fernando Haddad's candidacy for governor of São Paulo in Campinas, with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expected to attend.
Following these conventions, all parties must register their candidates for president, vice president, governors, senators, and deputies by August 15. Election campaigning is set to begin on August 16. Concurrently, the Justice Electoral will perform evaluations of party representation in the Chamber of Deputies starting July 20, which will influence free electoral advertising time allocation and debate participation.
Additionally, Congress resumes on August 1 after recess, focusing on key legislative projects such as the expansion of the Microempreendedor Individual (MEI) ceiling and classifying misogyny as a crime. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is on recess until July 31, with President Edson Fachin visiting Angola from July 20 to 23.
These conventions mark the definitive phase for candidate and alliance consolidations ahead of the critical October 4 first round of elections, with a potential second round slated for October 25 if no candidates secure a majority.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
