# US Australia suspend consular services in Brazil

> US and Australia cut consular services in Brazil amid election tensions.
- Title: US Australia suspend consular services in Brazil · Dw
- Summary: US and Australia cut consular services in Brazil amid election tensions. The US and Australia suspended consular services in Brazil due to security concerns…
- Keywords: australia, brazil, consular services, presidential election, security concerns, news, world, politics, suspend, consular, services
- Source: Dw — https://dw.com/en/us-australia-suspend-consular-services-in-brazil/a-79526311?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: us, australia, brazil, consular services, presidential election, security concerns, news, world, politics
## 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.
## Key takeaway

The US and Australia suspended consular services in Brazil due to security concerns ahead of presidential elections.