For the first time ever, three female candidates are competing for the presidency of Brazil, Latin Americas largest country. Two of them are likely to win the election. However, women are still lagging far behind in the election for state governors and congress. CCTV America’s Lucrecia Franco reports from Rio de Janeiro.

President Dilma Rouseff with the Workers’ Party, and Marina Silva of the Brazilian Socialist party are the presidential front-runners for the October 5th general election. One more woman, Luciana Genro, of the Socialist and Freedom Party, is also in the race.

In Congress, however, women account for less than 10% of the 513 seats, a gender gap that can be seen in all other levels of elected office in Brazil – a pattern that is not likely to change soon.

Follow Lucrecia C. Franco on Twitter @LucreciaFranco

For more on Brazil’s election, CCTV America was joined by Peter Hakim. He is President Emeritus of the non-partisan, policy analysis center “Inter-American Dialogue”. The group holds briefings and conferences on critical issues, including Latin American trade and investment.