Brazil has denied visa applications from two US State Department officials, citing concerns their visit could bolster groups challenging the country’s electoral system, according to local media reports.
The officials, Riley M. Barnes and Samuel Samson from the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, applied for visas on July 20. They reportedly planned meetings with presidential candidate Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro, officials from Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court, and other conservative figures.
Brazil’s foreign ministry confirmed the visa requests were rejected on Friday. The US State Department has not commented on the decision.
Brazil is scheduled to hold the first round of its presidential election on October 4, with a runoff, if needed, on October 25. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is seeking reelection against Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro.
The visa denial comes amid strained relations between Brasília and Washington. Earlier this year, Flavio Bolsonaro and his brother Eduardo met US officials, including President Donald Trump. The Trump administration later imposed tariffs of up to 37.5% on thousands of Brazilian exports and designated Brazil’s two largest drug-trafficking organizations. The Lula government dismissed the trade measures and allegations of unfair practices, accusing Washington of attempting to influence Brazil’s election.
Former President Jair Bolsonaro has repeatedly questioned Brazil’s electronic voting system without presenting evidence.