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The United States and Australia are suspending consular services in Brazil over security concerns, just days before Brazilians vote in the first round of the presidential election.
The US State Department said consular operations at its embassy and consulates in Brazil would be suspended from Friday. It did not disclose details of the security concerns or directly connect the decision to Sunday’s election.
The Australian Embassy in Brasília also announced a closure on Friday, citing the US security alert and urging Australian citizens to stay away from US diplomatic facilities.
According to the Associated Press, the US State Department said it was coordinating with Brazilian authorities to address the security concerns.
The move comes as Brazil prepares for a closely watched presidential election that could go to a runoff if no candidate wins a majority in the first round.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is seeking another term and is competing against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Recent opinion polls have shown a tight race.
Jair Bolsonaro, a political ally of US President Donald Trump, was sentenced last year to 27 years in prison after being convicted in a case involving an attempt to overturn the outcome of Brazil’s previous presidential election.
Trump has not endorsed a candidate but has said he is monitoring the election closely. Lula and his allies have meanwhile raised concerns about foreign interference, pointing to US trade measures and Washington’s efforts to discuss electoral integrity with Brazilian officials.
If no candidate wins more than half of the vote, Brazil will hold a runoff on October 25.
