The United States and Australia have temporarily suspended diplomatic operations in Brazil just 48 hours before the nation’s presidential election. The US Embassy announced on Thursday that consular services would halt starting Friday, advising American citizens to avoid visiting its facilities for assistance.
Australia followed suit, with Ambassador Sophie Davies stating on social media that the embassy in Brasília would also close on Friday. She cited the US alert as the primary reason and urged Australians to steer clear of American diplomatic premises.
While the US statement referenced security concerns, it provided no specific details regarding the nature of the threat or any direct connection to the upcoming vote. A spokesperson for the US State Department noted that the government is collaborating with Brazilian authorities to address these issues, emphasizing that routine security alerts are standard practice.
Brazil’s federal police confirmed they executed preventive search and seizure warrants in São Paulo and the Federal District as part of an inquiry into potential threats against US diplomatic sites. Authorities stated that while they cooperated with foreign intelligence agencies, no evidence corroborating the initial threat was found, nor were suspects linked to criminal organizations identified. The investigation remains ongoing following the confiscation of communications equipment.
The closures occur ahead of Sunday’s election between incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro is currently serving a 27-year sentence for his role in the 2022 coup attempt. If no candidate secures more than 50 percent of the vote, a runoff is scheduled for October 25.
Edinho Silva, president of Lula’s Workers’ Party, condemned the closures as “unprecedented” and politically motivated. He suggested the move was an attempt by former US President Donald Trump to influence Brazilian public opinion. Lula’s allies have pointed to recent US tariffs and Washington’s efforts to send officials to discuss electoral integrity as examples of foreign interference.
Tensions were further highlighted this month when Brazilian intelligence officials briefed French and German delegations in Brasília on alleged US and Russian interference in the election. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has publicly praised Flavio Bolsonaro, describing himself as closely monitoring the race, though he has not officially endorsed the candidate.
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