Diplomatic missions from Britain and Canada have shut down their citizen services in Brazil, mirroring earlier closures by the United States and Australia. These nations cited general security concerns in the decision to halt operations ahead of the presidential election this Sunday. Brazilian Federal Police are currently investigating potential plots to attack the U.S. consulate and have already executed search and seizure warrants against two individuals.

The diplomatic withdrawals follow an increase in domestic volatility as President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and opponent Flavio Bolsonaro both declined to attend a final televised debate on Globo. The broadcaster canceled the event after a judge barred the network from showing an empty podium for Lula. Lula's polling lead has largely vanished in recent weeks, making a runoff election on Oct. 25 likely.