The first presidential debate of the 2026 election proceeded with only three candidates after three others skipped the event [1], [2].
The absences of top contenders suggest a fragmented campaign strategy and a reluctance to engage in direct confrontation during the early stages of the race.
Broadcast on TV Band on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026 [3], the event featured Ronaldo Caiado (PSD), Renan Santos (Missão), and Augusto Cury (Avante) [1]. The participants were forced to navigate a stage missing several key figures, including President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT), Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL), and former governor Romeu Zema (Novo) [1].
Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro missed the debate due to other campaign activities scheduled for the same day [4]. Their absence drew criticism from those present, who cited a lack of transparency regarding the decision to skip the broadcast [4], [5].
Among the candidates who attended, Ronaldo Caiado (PSD) criticized the missing politicians. Caiado said that he had nothing to hide and characterized the absent candidates as "fujoes" — or runaways [2], [5].
Analysts said that the behavior of Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro suggests they are acting as if they do not need to be confronted by their opponents [6]. This strategy leaves smaller candidates to define the initial discourse of the election cycle while the front-runners avoid the risks of a live televised exchange.
With three candidates present [1] and three candidates absent [1], the debate functioned more as a platform for the remaining participants than a comprehensive clash of the leading political visions for the country.
“The first presidential debate of the 2026 election proceeded with only three candidates.”
The decision by leading candidates to skip the first televised debate indicates a tactical shift toward controlled messaging over spontaneous debate. By avoiding the TV Band broadcast, the front-runners minimize the risk of gaffes or damaging confrontations, but they simultaneously cede the spotlight to lesser-known candidates who can use the airtime to build name recognition and project an image of transparency.
