Nine long months ahead. Early polling shows Brazil’s 2022 presidential competition coming down to the current holder of the office, Jair Bolsonaro, and a previous one, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Of course, if recent years have taught us anything, a lot can happen in a few months. Ahead of October general elections, we’ll be monitoring the polls to see how the race for the top spot shifts, what’s got voters worried, and which demographics back which candidate. Check out our newly released Brazil poll tracker.

See more in our 2022 Election Guide.

Speak now. Six months into office, Peru’s Pedro Castillo finally started giving media interviews. We take a look at six notable quotes from the political newcomer who shook up the Lima political establishment even though, as he puts it, “I wasn’t prepared to be president.”

THEY SAID WHAT?

• The OECD initiates the application process for Argentina, Brazil, and Peru. (OECD)
• Argentina and the IMF reach a deal on the country’s debt restructuring. (Cronista)
• Chile’s incoming finance minister gives his first interview outlining his agenda. (La Tercera)
• Check out ​​the 2021 Corruption Perceptions Index for the Americas. The big improver? Paraguay. (Transparency International)
• Uncertainty around travel rules is holding back Central America’s tourism sector. (The Washington Post)