BRASILIA, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced Tuesday that Vice President Geraldo Alckmin will be his running mate in this year's presidential election, as a cabinet reshuffle gathers pace ahead of the October vote.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting at the Planalto Palace, Lula said that Alckmin will step down as minister of development, industry, trade and services to focus on the campaign. His departure is part of a broader one that will see at least 14 ministers leave the government to run for elected office.
Another four ministers are expected to step down in the coming days, Lula said.
Under Brazilian law, members of the executive branch, except for the president and the vice president, must resign from their posts six months before an election to prevent the misuse of official powers for electoral advantage.
Brazil will hold general elections this year, with voters casting ballots for the president, state governors, and federal and state legislators. According to the schedule set by the country's Superior Electoral Court, the first round of voting is set for Oct. 4, with a possible runoff on Oct. 25.
