Lula da Silva of Brazil launches his presidential candidacy, facing Bolsonaro

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(CNN) --

Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva officially launched his presidential bid on Saturday, at a campaign rally in Sao Paulo on Saturday.

An early poll showed the 76-year-old leftist politician leading incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro, who is running for a second term.

The most recent Ipespe poll showed Lula, as he is popularly known, with a 44% approval rating.

Bolsonaro had 31% and a handful of other ranked candidates reached single digits in the poll conducted last month.

Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during an event to announce his candidacy for the presidential elections at the Expo Center Norte on May 7, 2022 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

(Photo by Buddha Mendes/Getty Images)

"The country is going through one of the most serious moments in our history, which forces us to build an alternative path despite the differences to overcome the incompetence and authoritarianism that governs us," he said, referring to the Bolsonaro presidency.

Lula is running with former Sao Paulo Governor Geraldo Alckmin as his running mate for the presidency.

Alckmin participated in the event virtually after testing positive for covid-19.

"Without Lula, there will be no change in power. And without change, there will be no guarantees for our democracy. Lula is the only path of hope for Brazil. The future of Brazil is at stake," Alckmin said.

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Lula was president from 2003 to 2010. He was convicted on corruption and money laundering charges stemming from a wide-ranging investigation into the state oil company Petrobras, dubbed "Operation Lava Jato," which barred him from running against Bolsonaro in 2018. A judge at the The Supreme Court overturned the charges last year.

The first round of elections is scheduled for October 2, with a possible second round on October 30 if necessary.

Jair Bolsonaro Lula da Silva