MDB factions prepare rival endorsements for Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro

Two factions of Brazil’s MDB party are preparing to back different candidates.

A faction supporting President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva plans to announce its support for his re-election in Brasília on Tuesday.

It includes most of the party’s regional branches in the Northeast, as well as branches in Pará, Amazonas and Rondônia.

Another faction is preparing to endorse Senator Flávio Bolsonaro at an event in São Paulo on the same day.

The pro-Flávio effort was led by São Paulo Mayor Ricardo Nunes and the governors of São Paulo and Goiás.

Flávio has already secured backing from several other parties and three defeated presidential candidates, after finishing ahead in the first round.

The pro-Lula faction may also meet with Lula, but that meeting has not been confirmed.