From Dw · · 1m 20s
US Australia suspend consular services in Brazil
US and Australia cut consular services in Brazil amid election tensions.
In brief
US and Australia cut consular services in Brazil amid election tensions. The US and Australia suspended consular services in Brazil due to security concerns ahead of presidential elections. Originally reported by Dw.
US suspends consular services
The United States announced it was suspending consular services at its embassy and consulates in Brazil due to security concerns starting Friday.
Australia follows US action
The Australian Embassy in Brasilia also said it was closing on Friday, citing the US alert and advising Australians to avoid US diplomatic missions.
Election security concerns
Brazilians are headed to the polls this Sunday for what will likely be the first round of the presidential elections that has effectively shaped up to be a rematch of the 2022 contest.
Lula and Bolsonaro race
Surveys show the contest is a statistical tie between left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is seeking a fourth term, and right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro's legal issues
The elder Bolsonaro, who is a staunch ally of US President Donald Trump, was sentenced last year to 27 years in prison for attempting to overturn the results of the previous presidential election in Brazil.
US-Brazil tensions
Brazil is surrounded by neighbors who've swung to the right and the election outcome will determine the direction of the country's foreign policy.
What it means
The US and Australia suspended consular services in Brazil due to security concerns ahead of presidential elections.
