The Australian government has suspended operations at its diplomatic missions in Brazil due to unspecified security concerns. This action follows a decision by the U.S. State Department to close all its embassies and consulates in the country effective Oct. 2. U.S. officials warned citizens not to visit diplomatic facilities for emergency assistance before the first round of the presidential election this Sunday.

Domestic volatility has increased after President Lula and rival Flavio Bolsonaro both skipped the final televised debate. Broadcaster Globo canceled the event after a judge barred the network from showing an empty podium for Lula or allowing opponents to pose questions to him. The disruptions occur as Lula's year-long polling lead has vanished, making an Oct. 25 runoff likely, and as Justice Alexandre de Moraes faces allegations of receiving tens of millions of dollars from a Ponzi scheme.