This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/5391036.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Lula boycotts pre-poll TV debate Lula boycotts pre-poll TV debate
(about 9 hours later)
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has pulled out of a final TV debate with other candidates fighting Sunday's presidential election.Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has pulled out of a final TV debate with other candidates fighting Sunday's presidential election.
He withdrew hours before the live broadcast, saying other candidates would launch personal attacks on him.He withdrew hours before the live broadcast, saying other candidates would launch personal attacks on him.
Lula is still well ahead in the polls, but his lead has narrowed amid claims of dirty tricks and corruption.Lula is still well ahead in the polls, but his lead has narrowed amid claims of dirty tricks and corruption.
On Sunday night, his decision to avoid this debate will look like either a masterstroke or a huge tactical error.On Sunday night, his decision to avoid this debate will look like either a masterstroke or a huge tactical error.
For now, the opinion polls give him a big lead - enough to win outright on Sunday.For now, the opinion polls give him a big lead - enough to win outright on Sunday.
But just a small swing to his rivals could force a second round of voting.But just a small swing to his rivals could force a second round of voting.
ScandalScandal
On prime-time television, Lula's opponents had an open goal.On prime-time television, Lula's opponents had an open goal.
President Lula has taken a gamble by avoiding the TV debatePresident Lula has taken a gamble by avoiding the TV debate
First to strike was Heloisa Helena, who has campaigned on a left-wing anti-corruption ticket.First to strike was Heloisa Helena, who has campaigned on a left-wing anti-corruption ticket.
"I criticise, in the strongest possible terms, Lula's absence," she said."I criticise, in the strongest possible terms, Lula's absence," she said.
"He has an obligation to come down off his throne... of corruption, arrogance and political cowardice... and be here to give answers to the Brazilian people.""He has an obligation to come down off his throne... of corruption, arrogance and political cowardice... and be here to give answers to the Brazilian people."
The scandal that has taken hold during this campaign began with the arrest of two men with links to Lula's Workers Party.The scandal that has taken hold during this campaign began with the arrest of two men with links to Lula's Workers Party.
They were carrying a vast sum of money - apparently to buy a dossier of corruption allegations against the president's rivals.They were carrying a vast sum of money - apparently to buy a dossier of corruption allegations against the president's rivals.
Lula's gambleLula's gamble
So where did the cash come from? That was question from Geraldo Alckmin, Lula's closest challenger.So where did the cash come from? That was question from Geraldo Alckmin, Lula's closest challenger.
"Thirteen days ago, $800,000 in cash was found. And until now the government hasn't said who the account belongs to, how the money entered the country, or who it came from." HAVE YOUR SAY Opposition parties have tried to dirty Lula's image, but so far they haven't proven anything against him Jose Carlos dos Anjos, Tracunhaem, Brazil href="/1/hi/talking_point/5392530.stm" class="">Read our voters' views href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?threadID=3941&edition=1&ttl=20060921131956" class="">Send us your comments "Thirteen days ago, $800,000 in cash was found. And until now the government hasn't said who the account belongs to, how the money entered the country, or who it came from."
"They're not presenting the true facts.""They're not presenting the true facts."
And so it continued with President Lula - represented by an empty chair - taking a pummelling.And so it continued with President Lula - represented by an empty chair - taking a pummelling.
His gamble is that without even turning up to the debate, he will still win the 50% of valid votes that would see him re-elected.His gamble is that without even turning up to the debate, he will still win the 50% of valid votes that would see him re-elected.
He will find out on Sunday.He will find out on Sunday.