Both candidates in Brazil’s presidential race have called for their rival to be disqualified over allegations of social media interference. The dispute adds to the tension before the closely contested runoff on October 25.
Flavio Bolsonaro, the right-wing candidate and son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, has asked for the candidacy of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to be annulled. His lawyers filed the request with the Superior Electoral Court on Tuesday, accusing Lula of “abuse of power” through mass distribution of government posts on WhatsApp during the campaign. Bolsonaro’s camp said the government had sent mass messages to millions of Brazilians promoting social programmes, benefits and initiatives, according to Brazilian media. The filing also asks that Lula and Social Communications Minister Sidonio Palmeira be declared ineligible for public office for eight years.
Lula’s campaign targets Meta over alleged interference
Lula’s campaign said on Tuesday that it would seek Bolsonaro’s disqualification on Wednesday. It accuses Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, of interfering in the election. A campaign source said the petition, which has not yet been formally filed, alleges “algorithmic manipulation” by Meta aimed at damaging Lula’s chances.
Also read: Brazil court doubles Meta fine over Lula and Bolsonaro posts · Lula challenges Bolsonaro to publish personal financial records
The electoral court had given Meta 24 hours on Monday to prove it was complying with an order to treat both campaigns equally. Under the order, the company faced a daily fine of around $200,000 if it failed to do so. The order followed a claim by Lula’s campaign that Meta, which owns Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, was suppressing his online content to boost Bolsonaro. “We have completed the implementation of the measures to comply with the Superior Electoral Court’s decision,” the company said on Tuesday.
Polls point to a tight race before Sunday’s vote
Flavio Bolsonaro won the first round earlier this month with 47 percent of the vote, against 45 percent for the incumbent. Polls now show a very close contest ahead of Sunday’s runoff. Both camps are locked in a heated battle as the final round approaches.
