Jair Bolsonaro was convicted in September 2025 of attempting a coup, a verdict that many saw as ending his political career and tarnishing his legacy.
In the first round of Brazil’s presidential elections held this Sunday, Flávio Bolsonaro, Jair’s son, has genuine hopes of victory. He is also campaigning to have his father released.
The Guardian’s Latin America correspondent, Tom Phillips, explains how Brazil got here again, and tells Annie Kelly what it will mean for the wider region if Flávio Bolsonaro wins.
The Guardian presents the piece as a podcast, featuring an interview with Tom Phillips.
The article includes an image of the campaign, linked at https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/9240643cca052179ce2af25984e27c59dc8c01ec/784_0_4680_3744/master/4680.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none.
