Republicanos party stays neutral in Brazil's presidential race

The Republicanos party announced Tuesday it will remain neutral in Brazil's presidential election, a decision formalized at its convention in Brasília after consulting state-level party offices nationwide. The move frustrates Senator Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign, which sought the party's support to strengthen his presidential bid. Seventeen of 27 state directories favored neutrality, while nine backed Bolsonaro and one supported President Lula's reelection. The party stated the decision preserves state leadership autonomy and regional alliances, following similar neutrality from the União Brasil-Progressistas federation. Republicanos will focus on expanding its congressional representation, though state directories may form local arrangements independently.