Brazil elections 2014: Dilma Rousseff endorsed to run for re-election in October

Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff has been officially endorsed by the governing Workers Party to run for re-election in October.

Speaking to party delegates in Brasilia, Dilma Rousseff promised to boost social policies that have lifted millions of people out of poverty.

The party has been in power since 2003.

Dilma Rousseff – Brazil’s first woman president – is a former left-wing rebel who fought against military rule in the 1960s and 1970s.

She told some 800 delegates meeting at the party’s convention that her second term would see more investment in housing, education and public health.

President Dilma Rousseff has been officially endorsed by the governing Workers Party to run for re-election in October (photo Reuters)

Dilma Rousseff also defended public spending on preparations for the football World Cup and the Olympics, which Rio de Janeiro will host in 2016.

“All the investment we have done for the World Cup in transport and other infra-structure will continue to benefit Brazilians after the event,” she said.

She was elected in 2010, replacing her friend and mentor, former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who served two terms.

Brazilians will go to the polls on October 5. If no single candidate gets more than 50% of the vote, there will be a runoff on October 26.

Opinion polls suggest that Dilma Rousseff has about 40% poll ratings, against 20% for her main opponent, Senator Aecio Neves.

But her popularity has declined over the years, with Brazilians taking to the streets to protest against corruption and spending on the World Cup and Olympics.

Party leaders have denounced “a hate campaign” against the government.

The Workers Party is expected to face its biggest electoral challenge since former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva came to power in 2002.

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