Elections 2026 Archives - Americas Quarterly

Brazil's Congress, now dominated by right and center-right parties, will have a pivotal role in the new government starting next January.

Brazil’s Right Will Have Power Beyond the Presidency

The first-round election result underscored a conservative ascendancy rooted in Congress and the states, with implications for the Bolsonaro family and more.

Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro

REACTION: Flávio Bolsonaro and Lula Advance to Brazil’s Presidential Runoff

The eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro now looks like the favorite against the incumbent in the October 25 runoff.

Towels and caps for sale depicting Brazilian presidential candidates Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro are seen in a residential area of Brasília on September 11, 2026. Brazil will hold a presidential elections on October 4, 2026. (Photo by Sergio Lima / AFP via Getty Images)

What Washington May Misread in Brazil’s Election

President Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro have more in common than meets the eye on key issues, including trade with China and critical minerals.

A customer shops at a butcher shop in Brasilia on September 3, 2026.

Brazil’s Economy Is Slowing. Will It Ruin Lula’s Chances?

Voters are feeling the squeeze from high interest rates and other factors.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro lead polling ahead of the October 4 first-round vote.

Brazil: Meet the Candidates 2026

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro will compete in the October 25 runoff.

Veteran political analyst Thomas Traumann discusses voter trends and the issues that will shape the Lula-Flávio showdown.

Q&A: Thomas Traumann on Brazil’s October Elections

A veteran political analyst discusses voter trends and the issues that will shape the Lula-Flávio showdown.

How Will De La Espriella Govern? Previous Newcomers Offer Clues

History shows that newcomers often pursue a maximalist approach once elected. That can be dangerous—including to the leaders themselves.

Abelardo de la Espriella arrives to vote at a polling place in Barranquilla, Colombia, on June 21.

REACTION: De La Espriella Wins Colombia’s Election by Narrow Margin 

The right-wing lawyer is set to begin a four-year term on August 7.

Colombian presidential candidates Iván Cepeda and Abelardo De La Espriella

REACTION: Colombia Heads Toward a Polarizing Runoff

Voters shook up the political landscape, setting up a runoff between right-wing firebrand Abelardo De La Espriella and leftist Iván Cepeda.

Voters enter a polling station during the second day of voting in Lima on April 13, 2026.

Peru’s Chaotic Election — and Some Reasons for Hope

While the country’s politics remain in poor shape, the June 7 runoff offers a new opportunity to rethink the future.

Jair Bolsonaro, left, and his son Flávio address supporters at a rally in Rio de Janeiro in March 2025.

The Voters Flávio Bolsonaro Still Needs

To succeed in October’s election, the son of Brazil’s last president will have to convince those outside the conservative movement.

An election worker assists a voter in Chiguata, Peru, on April 12.

REACTION: Peru Braces for a Polarizing Fujimori-Sánchez Runoff

Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez appear headed to a high-stakes runoff on June 7 after the first-round vote indicated critical new dynamics.

President of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasília on February 26

Why Lula Is Struggling

Brazil’s October election now looks like a coin-flip, writes AQ’s editor-in-chief.

Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz speaks during a press conference in La Paz on Jan. 13

In Bolivia, Rodrigo Paz Faces an Electoral Stress Test

The March 22 subnational elections are a critical bellwether of support for the president in Bolivia’s shifting political landscape.

Colombia: Meet the Candidates 2026

The country is bracing for a polarizing runoff between right-wing firebrand Abelardo De La Espriella and leftist Iván Cepeda on June 21.