Lula and Bolsonaro File Disqualification Requests Ahead of Brazil Run‑off

Legal Filings Over Social Media Allegations In the days before Brazil’s presidential runoff on 25 October, both candidates lodged petitions with the Superior Electoral Court. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s campaign filed a request to disqualify Flávio Bolsonaro, arguing that the technology company Meta had engaged in election interference through algorithmic manipulation that favoured Lula’s opponent. The filing was expected on 20 October but was officially submitted on 21 October, according to campaign sources.

Counter‑Allegations From Bolsonaro’s Team Bolsonaro’s campaign responded with its own court filing, accusing Lula of “abuse of power” by mass‑disseminating government posts on WhatsApp during the campaign. The claim centres on the use of the messaging platform to broadcast official content, which Bolsonaro’s team argues gives the incumbent an unfair advantage.

Meta’s Compliance and Court Orders Meta has stated it has complied with court orders, removing 720 unlabeled AI‑generated posts and limiting advertising to registered candidates and parties. The company was given 24 hours by the court on 19 October to demonstrate compliance with an order to treat both campaigns equally, with a daily fine of around US$200,000 imposed for non‑compliance.

Polls and the Tight Race Flávio Bolsonaro secured 47 % of the vote in the first round, while Lula received 45 %. Recent polls show a technical tie ahead of the runoff, with each candidate projected to have roughly 50 % support. The dispute over social media use adds another layer of tension to an already highly contested election.

Context and Implications The filings come as Brazil’s political landscape remains sharply divided. Lula, seeking a fourth non‑consecutive term, faces a challenger who is the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who was jailed for attempting a coup. The allegations of algorithmic bias and state messaging abuse highlight the growing role of digital platforms in electoral processes and the legal challenges that arise when candidates seek to regulate them.

Current Status Both petitions are pending before the Superior Electoral Court, which will decide whether either candidate can be disqualified. The outcome will be decided before the runoff, potentially affecting the final vote on 25 October.