Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva opposed the US cancellation of the visa of Brazil's Ambassador to Washington, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, describing the move as "irresponsible and reckless."
In an interview with the Brazilian digital media platform Meteoro Brasil, Lula said, "We want to be treated with respect. No one should think they can interfere from outside to influence our elections. If they want to do it in another country, let them. They cannot do it in Brazil."
Stressing that foreign interference in the October general elections would not be tolerated, Lula announced he would not receive any foreign ambassador until after the vote. "After the election, I will receive ambassadors from any country in the world," he said.
Defending Brazil's electronic voting system, Lula said, "Instead of questioning our voting machines, they should copy our system. They should ask us to bring the machines so they can hold electronic elections and see that we are at the forefront of electoral modernity."
The US administration, for its part, stated that the visa cancellation was carried out on the principle of reciprocity, after Brazil denied visas to two US diplomats last month and US President Donald Trump postponed the appointment of his nominee for ambassador to Brazil until after the October elections.
Washington rejected claims that the diplomats intended to interfere in Brazil's elections, stating that the planned visit focused on election integrity, religious freedom, and freedom of expression.