Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Texas, the 44-year-old lawmaker said a future administration under his leadership would improve upon that of his father, former president Jair Bolsonaro, drawing parallels with Trump’s return to office.

“Bolsonaro 2.0 will also be much better,” he told attendees, adding that electoral integrity would be critical to his campaign. He called for “free and fair elections” and urged international scrutiny to ensure democratic processes are upheld.

Flavio Bolsonaro is widely expected to emerge as the principal challenger to incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who at 80 is seeking a fourth term. With seven months until the vote, opinion polls indicate a closely contested race between the two figures.

The senator has sought to distinguish himself as more moderate than his father while maintaining a hardline stance on public security, an issue that remains central to conservative voters.During his address, Bolsonaro reiterated claims that the administration of former U.S. president Joe Biden interfered in Brazil’s 2022 election, which brought Lula back to power.

He did not provide evidence for the allegation.Brazil’s Supreme Court last year sentenced Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison after convicting him of leading a scheme aimed at preventing Lula from taking office.

The former president has denied wrongdoing, describing the case as politically motivated.global alignment and messagingFlavio Bolsonaro’s remarks underscore a broader effort to align with international conservative movements, particularly those associated with Trump-era policies.

He also called for global attention to Brazil’s democratic institutions, urging diplomatic pressure to safeguard freedom of expression and institutional functioning.

His appearance at CPAC highlights the increasing role of transnational political alliances as Brazil’s election approaches, with both domestic and international narratives shaping the campaign.

The unusually large field of candidates for the April 12 election reflects a society actively seeking solutions, leadership, and fresh ideas after years of political turbulence and rapid changes in government.

Among the registered hopefuls are figures from diverse professional backgrounds, including experienced politicians, former public officials, cultural personalities, and sports figures, underlining the openness of Peru’s democratic process.

The candidates include Keiko Fujimori, leader of the Fuerza Popular party, who is seeking the presidency for the fourth time, as well as a well-known comedian and a former professional football goalkeeper.

Election authorities have noted that this is nearly double the number of candidates who participated in the 2021 presidential race, when 18 individuals were on the ballot, signaling growing public participation.

The National Office of Electoral Processes has stated that the final list of approved candidates will be published in mid-March, following a period during which legal objections can be raised to ensure compliance with electoral laws.

Analysts say the large number of contenders reflects both political fragmentation and a renewed public appetite for representation, giving voters a wide spectrum of ideologies and leadership styles to choose from.

While Peru has faced repeated disruptions in presidential terms over the past decade, the upcoming election is seen as an opportunity to strengthen institutions and restore long-term political stability.

Many observers believe that the diversity of candidates could encourage robust public debate on economic growth, social inclusion, anti-corruption measures, and democratic reform, all of which remain top priorities for voters.

The crowded race also illustrates the resilience of Peru’s democratic framework, which continues to function and adapt despite past challenges involving impeachments, resignations, and legal disputes.

Public opinion surveys suggest that a significant portion of the electorate remains undecided, indicating openness to persuasion and the potential for emerging candidates to gain momentum during the campaign period.

Political analysts expect that the wide field may lead to a competitive first round, followed by a runoff election, giving voters additional time to assess finalists and their policy platforms.

This dynamic environment has encouraged candidates to focus on building trust, proposing institutional reforms, and presenting clear visions for economic recovery and social cohesion.

The election season is expected to energize civic discussion across the country, with debates, town halls, and policy forums playing a central role in shaping voter perceptions.

Experts note that while political distrust has been a recurring issue, the high number of candidates can also be interpreted as a sign of democratic vitality and pluralism.

For many Peruvians, the election represents a chance to redefine governance, strengthen accountability, and reinforce the rule of law through peaceful and participatory means.

As campaigns unfold, attention will focus on which candidates can effectively connect with voters, articulate credible reform agendas, and build broad-based support across regions and social groups.

The 2026 presidential race is thus shaping up not only as a contest for leadership but also as a reflection of Peru’s ongoing efforts to deepen democratic engagement and political inclusiveness.