Both candidates in Brazil’s tightly contested presidential race have moved to disqualify each other over allegations of social media interference, heightening tensions days before the October 25 runoff.
Right-wing candidate Flavio Bolsonaro requested the annulment of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s candidacy, accusing him of unlawful propaganda. Lawyers for Bolsonaro filed a petition with the Superior Electoral Court on Tuesday, alleging “abuse of power” through the mass dissemination of government postings via WhatsApp during the campaign period.
The request seeks to declare Lula and Social Communications Minister Sidonio Palmeira ineligible to hold public office for eight years. Bolsonaro’s camp claimed the government sent mass messages promoting social programmes and benefits to millions of Brazilians amid the race.
In response, Lula’s campaign said it would file a request on Wednesday to disqualify Bolsonaro over alleged election interference by Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp. A campaign source told AFP the petition alleges “algorithmic manipulation” by Meta aimed at harming Lula’s chances of winning.
The electoral court had given Meta 24 hours on Monday to prove it was treating both campaigns equally, threatening a daily fine of around $200,000 for non-compliance. Meta said on Tuesday: “We have completed the implementation of the measures to comply with the Superior Electoral Court’s decision.”
Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, won the first round earlier this month with 47 percent of the vote against Lula’s 45 percent. Polls show a close race ahead of Sunday’s runoff.
