Brazil is preparing for its first round of the presidential election on Sunday, with two major candidates vying for the top position: Luiz Inácio Lula, the former president from the Workers' Party (PT), and Flávio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently ineligible due to a 27-year prison sentence for attempted coup. Around 160 million voters are expected to participate, with both candidates receiving approximately 40 percent of the intended vote in recent polls. Recent corruption scandals, such as the case involving the private bank Banco Master, have damaged the reputations of both camps, while violence linked to drug trafficking and private militias remains a serious issue in many regions. On October 4, Brazilians will also elect deputies for the federal parliament, renew two-thirds of the Senate, and vote for the assemblies of each of the 27 states. The second round of the presidential election will take place on October 25. Gabriel Feltran, a Brazilian sociologist specializing in public security and criminal organizations, and research director at CNRS, provides analysis on the current political landscape. Bolsonarism, a political movement associated with former president Jair Bolsonaro and his son Flávio, has its roots in the security forces, police, and military, who are accustomed to dealing with crime and insecurity. This movement is influenced by the security culture inherited from Brazil's military dictatorship (1964-1985). Its base expands through evangelical churches, social networks, and the entrepreneurial world. The movement's message is centered on the idea of "us against them," emphasizing the need to eliminate crime and corruption without guaranteeing rights. It seeks to dismantle regulations and common frameworks, moving toward a political regime based on perpetual war against those labeled as "enemies." Bolsonarism is supported by some wealthy families and financial investors, forming a new political elite. This elite, once part of the established economic power, is now becoming autonomous, opposing both the economic elite and the poor. This process is similar to the rise of Nazism in Germany, as described by philosopher Hannah Arendt in The Origins of Totalitarianism. The movement demonizes intellectuals and research, claiming they are out of touch with reality. It also denies the existence of climate change and uses a binary communication style. The Bolsonarist movement is gaining traction by appealing to those who feel the system has failed them. Despite Jair Bolsonaro's long political career, the movement has managed to lead several major Brazilian cities and states. They are currently the majority in the chamber of deputies and aim to control the presidency and the Supreme Court. If Flávio Bolsonaro is elected, the far right could gain significant influence in the Supreme Court, potentially eliminating any counterbalances. In contrast, the PT of Lula no longer leads any states or large municipalities, and its presence in Parliament is limited. The movement attracts voters by promising individual entrepreneurship and a rejection of traditional institutions, appealing to those who feel the past did not work for them. The political landscape in Brazil reflects a deep division among the population. While the country has made progress in education and infrastructure, inequalities, violence, and corruption remain high. The Bolsonarists argue that the military dictatorship was better, a view that contrasts with the democratic ideals of the past. The failure to reduce violence and insecurity, despite efforts by previous governments, has led to the rise of the far right. The privatization of security and the rise of private militias have further eroded the state's monopoly on force, a concept central to modern governance according to sociologist Max Weber. The presidential campaign is largely focused on issues of corruption and security, with little discussion on economic or health policies. The obsession with defeating Lula, who represents the political establishment, is a significant factor in the campaign. If Lula wins, there is a risk of legal challenges, similar to those faced by former president Dilma Roussef. Lula is seen as the only candidate capable of uniting a broad spectrum of political forces against the rise of totalitarian populism in Brazil.