RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's Workers' Party (PT) on Tuesday nominated Fernando Haddad as its presidential candidate to replace jailed former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is forbidden to run.
Lula is serving a prison sentence of 12 years. Though his lawyers tried to ensure his release and participation in the race, Brazil's Superior Electoral Tribunal ruled that Lula can not run while being imprisoned.
The Workers' Party attempted to maintain Lula as its candidate had to alter candidates following the court ruling.
Haddad's running mate will be Manuela D'Avila, former presidential candidate of the Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB).
The announcement was made in the southern city of Curitiba, where Lula has been held.
Haddad visited the former president and spoke to Lula supporters afterwards. He said he received "a mission" from the ex-president and expressed both his disappointment over Lula's absence in the race and his hope for a victory in the election.
"You are feeling the same pain I am feeling, but this is not the time to be discouraged. This is the time to take to the streets with our heads held up high. We will win this election for Lula, for the PT and PCdoB, for the social movements and for Brazil."
On Tuesday evening, PT aired its first TV campaign ads with Haddad at the helm.
The first round of voting will be held on Oct. 7, with the second round set for Oct. 28.
