Brazil's electoral authority says the United States is trying to influence the upcoming presidential election, sparking a clash between Lula and Bolsonaro over sovereignty and U.S. ties.

Brazil's electoral authority accused the United States of attempting to influence the upcoming presidential election.

Accusations and official statements

In a statement released Tuesday, the authority said foreign actors were using digital platforms to spread disinformation favoring one candidate. It warned that such activity threatened Brazil's electoral sovereignty.

Government spokesperson Maria Silva said the United States had a history of intervening in Latin American politics and that the current effort aimed to weaken the candidacy of former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Political backdrop

Lula, who leads the left‑leaning Workers' Party, faces a challenge from former president Jair Bolsonaro, a right‑wing populist who has cultivated close ties with Washington. The two candidates have exchanged accusations on security policy, trade agreements and the role of the U.S. military in the region.

Security officials have highlighted concerns about cyber threats and foreign funding of political campaigns. Lula's camp argues that Bolsonaro's alignment with Washington compromises Brazil's autonomy, while Bolsonaro's supporters claim that Lula seeks to distance Brazil from a key strategic partner.

U.S. response

The U.S. State Department denied any wrongdoing. A spokesperson said Washington respects Brazil's democratic process and monitors online activity only to combat illicit content.

Analysts said the dispute could shape voter sentiment ahead of the October ballot, where the winner will inherit a fragile economy and a polarized society.

Election monitors from the Organization of American States will observe the vote, according to a press release. The monitors will assess whether foreign influence operations affect the fairness of the contest.

Both campaigns have pledged to respect the final result, but the accusation adds another layer of tension to an already contentious race.