Brazil refuses visas to US delegation planning to meet electoral authorities

Brazil on Friday refused to grant entry visas to two U.S. officials who had sought to meet with representatives of the electoral authorities, less than three months before the presidential elections, a Brazilian diplomatic source told AFP on Saturday, citing what it described as the “risk of political exploitation.”

The Brazilian refusal came after Flavio Bolsonaro repeated this week baseless claims that the country’s electronic voting system is insecure, while U.S. President Donald Trump continues to promote false allegations about the American elections.

The diplomatic source explained that the U.S. request was submitted on July 20, with the officials hoping to discuss issues related to “freedom of expression connected to elections” with local authorities.

He added that the timing of the visa requests “drew attention,” as it came on the same day that Flavio Bolsonaro held a private meeting with foreign diplomats, during which he reportedly cast doubt on the reliability of Brazil’s electronic voting system.

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department told AFP that the two officials had planned to visit the capital, Brasilia, from July 27 to 30 to discuss “election integrity, religious freedom, and freedom of expression” with government officials, religious leaders, and others.