Samba school's Lula tribute at Rio Carnival stirs election law debate
A samba school's tribute to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at Rio de Janeiro's Carnival on Sunday has sparked debate over early campaigning in Brazil's election year.
Under the theme "From the Top of the Mulungu Tree, Hope Springs: Lula, the Worker of Brazil," the Acadêmicos de Niterói samba school retraced the leftist leader's rise from metalworker to head of state during the first night of the top-tier parades at the Sambadrome.
Dancers in glittering costumes and elaborate floats performed before tens of thousands of spectators.
As Lula plans to seek a fourth term in the October presidential election, the homage prompted opposition parties to challenge the parade in court, arguing it amounted to premature campaigning.
The Superior Electoral Court rejected attempts to halt the procession but warned that Carnival must not become a platform for unlawful political propaganda.
Under Brazilian law, campaigning for a candidate is permitted only after official registration. Early calls for votes are prohibited and can lead to fines or, in serious cases, proceedings for abuse of political power. Although Lula has announced his intention to run, he has not yet formally registered his candidacy.
Lula watched the parade from the city's VIP box, accompanied by a smaller-than-expected delegation after several ministers cancelled their attendance.
Rio's Carnival is often described as the world's biggest party. City officials expect around 8 million people in the metropolitan area during festivities this year, generating an estimated economic impact of about $1.1 billion.