Brasilia: Tainted Brazilian politician and former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has pulled out of next month's presidential election, reports said.
By stepping aside, he has allowed his running mate, Fernando Haddad, to take his place.
Lula's decision was announced by Workers' Party leader Gleisi Hoffman.
The former President is serving a 12-year jail term.
A few weeks ago, Brazil's top electoral court had barred the 72-year-old from contesting in the election.
The election is scheduled to take place on Oct 7.
Image: Lula/Facebook