Political rallies fill Brazil’s streets a week before elections

With seven days to go before Brazil's presidential vote, rival campaign rallies filled streets in multiple cities as supporters of the main contenders mobilized. The demonstrations came as both campaigns stepped up efforts to reach undecided voters and energize their bases in the home stretch of the race. Brazilians will cast their ballots on Oct. 4 to decide between the sitting president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. Flávio Bolsonaro is the son of Jair Bolsonaro, who served as president and is widely identified with Brazil's recent far-right government. Political activity has escalated in recent days as the candidates and their allies stage public events, seeking visibility and momentum ahead of the election. The parallel rallies underscore the polarized nature of the contest and the high stakes perceived by supporters on both sides. Observers and participants alike have framed this final week as decisive for turnout and last-minute persuasion, with street-level mobilization serving as a prominent feature of the campaigns' closing strategies. The outcome will be determined by voters at the polls on Oct. 4.