The first televised debate of the candidates in the presidential elections in Brazil

Double portrait of presidential candidates Bolsonaro (right) and da Silva.

- AFP

The two main candidates for Brazil's presidency, President Jair Bolsonaro, and former President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, did not confirm their participation in a televised debate, 48 hours before the first possible and expected debate.

This debate, which is taking place today alongside four other candidates, is the first in a series of debates before the October vote.

"I should be there, I'm still thinking about it," Bolsonaro said on Friday.

In an interview with Radio Jovem Ban, he said, "At one point, I thought I shouldn't go, now I think I have to, I'll be in the crosshairs all the time...but I think my strategy will work."

Earlier, one of his advisers said that the far-right leader had decided not to participate in the debate, to avoid being again the "favorite target" of his opponents.

During the previous campaign that ended with his election in 2018, Bolsonaro refused to participate in all debates with the other candidates.

His main opponent, Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, who has the most chances according to opinion polls, also did not confirm his participation.

A source close to the leftist candidate told AFP that the former president (2003-2010) would not confirm his participation "unless Bolsonaro attends."

The candidates were interviewed separately this week, during the evening news on Globo TV, in the first highlights of the campaign, which officially began on August 16.

Political analysts believe Lula has fared better than Bolsonaro.

A poll conducted by the reference institute "Datafolia" indicated that Lula received 47% of the voting intentions for the first round, compared to 32% for Bolsonaro.

Other opinion polls showed less progress for the former president.

The organizers, a group of Brazilian media, including TV channel Rede Banderentis and Folha de S Paulo newspaper, confirmed that the first debate would take place, even if the two main candidates were absent.

In particular, they pointed out that former Finance Minister Ciro Gomes (centre left) and Representative Simone Tibet (centre right) may take third and fourth place, respectively, in the opinion polls.

Follow our latest local and sports news and the latest political and economic developments via Google news