The US State Department had previously described claims that its delegation intended to undermine Brazil’s election as “baseless”. The officials were expected to visit Brazil in late July to discuss issues related to freedom of expression, religious freedom and election integrity. They were also scheduled to meet right-wing presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. October’s election will see incumbent President Lula seek another term against Flávio Bolsonaro. He later denied challenging Brazil’s electoral system, saying he was only advocating for broader international observation of the vote.