Brasilia:Brazil's Federal Police are conducting an investigation into potential US interference in the country's presidential election. This probe follows a complaint from the Attorney General's Office and was announced as voting commenced nationwide.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Federal Police chief, Andrei Rodrigues, said the investigation is currently in a preliminary stage and has been forwarded to the Intelligence Directorate for further analysis. The investigation aims to ensure the smooth operation of the 2026 elections.
The Attorney General's Office requested the investigation based on a report from The Guardian, which alleged that US government funds were diverted to organizations in Brazil to influence political debate and undermine the institutional framework of Brazil's judiciary.
As the investigation unfolds, Brazilians are voting in a tightly contested presidential election. The main contenders are incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Both candidates have expressed confidence in their chances of securing a victory.
Polling stations opened at 8 a.m. and are set to close at 5 p.m., with nearly 159 million voters eligible to participate. Recent polls suggest a close race, with Lula slightly ahead of Flavio Bolsonaro but both candidates below the 50% threshold required to avoid a runoff.
Meanwhile, the Organization of American States reported that the election process is proceeding smoothly. However, 48 individuals have been detained for suspected electoral crimes, and some technical issues with electronic voting machines have been reported.
The Federal Police also addressed security concerns after the US and Australian embassies temporarily suspended consular services, stating that no concrete risks to any embassy have been identified. Voting continues both domestically and abroad, with nearly 919,000 Brazilians registered to vote overseas. If no candidate secures a majority, a runoff will be held on October 25.